Colin Kaepernick has given $100,000 monthly to organizations nationwide over the course of 10 months. (KPIX screen shot)
Colin Kaepernick is reportedly ending his national anthem protest next season and many Twitter users think it’s only because he’s becoming a free agent.
While the San Francisco 49ers quarterback doesn’t want “his method of protest to detract from the positive change he believes has been created,” sources told ESPN Thursday, March 2, that Kaepernick believes the national news coverage on racism and support from other athletes affirmed his message. That belief is supported by the fact that his teammates honored him with the Len Eshmont Award, which recognizes the 49er who “best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont, an original member of the 1946 49ers,” according to the team.
Kaepernick began sitting as the “Star Spangled Banner” played during the 2016 preseason, saying he would not “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color.” He later shifted to taking a knee during the song, causing many patriotic NFL fans to call for a boycott of the league.
The footballer said all people should be included in the conversation about social inequality and he will keep raising funds for the underprivileged groups. He’ll also continue putting on the “Know Your Rights” camps he introduced last year, presenting it around the country.
Sources told ESPN the athlete will opt out of his contract with the 49ers, becoming a free agent next week. Many on Twitter pointed to Kaepernick’s need for employment as the reason he is ending his protest.
https://twitter.com/Krisp_y/status/837375883027574784
Colin Kaepernick is opting out of his contract..he needs a new one and now decides he's gonna stand for the anthem…what a clown!
— jfv1975 (@Johnvar21509463) March 2, 2017
@rgreenebtrb once @Kaepernick7 money dried up his tune changed real quick
— ShaunIsMySheperd (@AmericanPriv) March 2, 2017
Others weren’t convinced about Kaepernick’s explanation that America has made progress since the beginning of his demonstration.
Kaepernick will stand for anthem b/c he's seen positive change in America. What country is he living in?
— mark (@mlnga) March 2, 2017
So now that Colin Kaepernick is out of a job, police brutality doesn't mean as much to him. "Please sign me. I won't be a distraction."
— Edward Irvin (@mistermysteryfl) March 2, 2017
Finally the solution to solve #blackoppression ….go into #freeagency!!!!! #nfl #ColinKaepernick
— kevin mckay (@radiokevin) March 2, 2017
Some defended Kaepernick’s stance, noting his $1-million donation to charities serving underprivileged communities and gifting $60,000 worth of backpacks to New York schools.
The same people that were upset Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the Nat'l anthem are upset he will now stand. (1/2).
— Kevin Lockett (@kevinlockett) March 2, 2017
At least Colin Kaepernick stood for something and donated his time and money to help people, which is more than most NFL fans (2/2).
— Kevin Lockett (@kevinlockett) March 2, 2017
Kaepernick protested for a year, donated time, money which you can track, gave jersey profits to charity and created awareness. Good for him
— Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) March 2, 2017
@Diane1hDiane that man stood up for something that needed to be fixed in our country and bought much needed attention to it
— Jamal Carpenter (@mallymal41) March 2, 2017
