NFL players are encouraged but not required to stand during the National Anthem, and the 49ers second-string quarterback has a right to sit, kneel or do somersaults while the anthem is being played.

Colin Kaepernick may not be breaking any NFL rules or policies by disrespecting the flag, but his antics are juvenile and selfish. What if all of his teammates failed to stand up to bring attention to their favorite cause, be it animal rights, gay rights, or whatever? Anarchy would soon prevail in the regimented world of the NFL. In a team sport Kaepernick`s shenanigans on the sideline are a bigger distraction than his poor play on the field.

Police misconduct and brutality, and the larger issue of racial inequality, is a serious matter, but Kaepernick should advocate for civil rights on his own time.

The issue that Kaepernick claims to care about is getting lost in the backlash, he has engendered so much hatred that I wouldn`t be surprised if a fan attempts to take him out. At the very least he is making his team and his sport an object of ridicule, and at the worst he is putting his teammates in danger.

Kaepernick`s method of focusing attention on his pet issue is as silly as his effort in trying to appear more black by sporting a 70`s era Afro.

We spend good money to attend a football game to have fun for a couple of hours and to forget about politics and societal problems. Love for our team unites fans of diverse backgrounds, at least during the game. How dare a jerk like Kaepernick let the problems of the real world intrude on our escapist entertainment?
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