Colin Kaepernick’s minor and unnoticed actions turned a simple gesture into a world renown issue. The question is why would the NFL, fans and politicians feel that his decision to take a knee during the national anthem as a “incompetent”? Respectfully stating your position on a situation and standing for what you feel as right being immediately taken negatively by the media, fans and individuals that have control of his career. Since this happened almost two years ago, there shouldn’t be any aggression as to what he has done being that he presented his opinion through one of the many symbols of our nation but in a manner of respect and silence. 

As opposed to the millions of headlines and opinions following Kaepernick the actual situation came on multiple dates that happened to go unnoticed. It started on August 14th but the dates that followed were the 20th and 26th of 2016, but was not recognized by the public because of Kaepernick not being dressed out for the game that day. Though nothing was said until August 26th, the 49ers online beat writer Jennifer Lee Chan tweeted a picture that if zoomed in you would see Colin Kaepernick taking a knee. At this moment the issue was created, and everyone wanted to know what reason would this be acceptable during the national anthem. Through months of questions and requested interviews Colin Kaepernick opened to NFL network in 2016, a televised broadcasting show stating, “if they take away football…I know that I stood for what is right” which was stated in the article “The making of Colin Kaepernick by Kent Babb. Colin Kaepernick didn’t present an issue with his actions, his actions weren’t made to create an issue with those who felt what he did was wrong. The release of this information was only to answer questions that were being led by millions of assumptions, many questions had been asked as to why he felt this was ok or that he must be mentally confused on a psychological standpoint. Colin Kaepernick words within the news made matters worse which created a target around him and anyone affiliated with him throughout this situation. Nearly, almost two years later after many incidents involving African Americans being assaulted, forceful handled and killed by officers of the law. After many other athletes engaging in the efforts of what Kaepernick ‘silent protest started and gaining recognition worldwide as something profound and outrageous but being recognizing as uplifting and a movement known as #TakeAKnee through social media. Though millions of people have disagreed and agreed, Colin Kaepernick continues to not seem to be gaining backache contract within any of the national football league 32 teams. So what reason would these teams, politicians and millions of fans feel what he decided to do shouldn’t be justified? This is important to know simply because without an understanding of his actions through his own eyes and words then the other information is merely irrelevant. As well as knowing the background information which lets the reader know the actual facts not the opinionated voices of those who already oppose him as an African American male that disrespected the flag which resembles freedom in our states.  Knowing the background regardless of what may be known or heard from others standpoint also makes the story more credible. It is important because individuals will rather listen to something more believable than some reporter or magazine that doesn’t have any primary sources. Nonetheless this is all important because it shows everyone what’s actually happening instead of what’s being assumed or criticized to make Kaepernick kneeing something that is isn’t. Everything ties into what decision was made, the background and the actual story. 

The sources provided more than enough information throughout the research conducted. In one of my many sources, the article written by David French named “Politicize Sports, Pay the Price” contributes to the overall idea of what his actions led to. Within the article French states “A September 2016 Reuters poll indicated that a super-majority of 72 percent of American believed the protests, led by Colin Kaepernick, were “unpatriotic”, but evidence that his protest had an impact on ratings was spotty.” This overall message shows the impact of what people may consider to be outrageous and absurd, the majority of individuals that may watch the NFL and keep themselves up to date with the politics of anything involving actions of those players. This will lead to more critics and fans wanting to watch what all the rant is about, because of that reason the outcome leads to more people speaking on the topic as well viewers increasing. People have an issue with this because instead of the game actually being about the concept of winning or losing, it has become sort of a ground for expressing one’s emotions towards an accident and become corrupt. Imagine a diehard fan who enjoys watching Sunday night football for years and years to now turn on the television to see sports analyst raving about this Colin Kaepernick guy taking a knee during the national anthem instead of watching the game. French goes on to create a valid point of what may be his own personal opinion but as well as causes you to think about what all he says. He states, “Athletes conservative and liberal should be equally free to share their views, sportswriters should be as diverse as their audience, and leagues should stay out of the political fray.” Meaning that regardless of what has happened Kaepernick has a freedom of expressing his motives and whether someone views that as right in the end it still remains his choice and opinion. In a more constructive manner, this article represents an idea of people staying in their place. Colin Kaepernick wasn’t doing it to bother anyone but to give a few points to the people that were acting oblivious to what was happening in the community. 

The more detailed sports journal, “Application of Normative Ethics to Explain Colin Kaepernick’s Silent Protest in the NFL” which is a peer-review Daniel Kane and Dr.Bonnie Tiell. In this journal the narrative shows the different standards of what may be good and bad depending on a person’s ethics. The article goes to say “Kaepernick’s decision to refuse to stand during the national anthem correlates to an analysis of a series of events that may explain dilemmas that resulted.” Which is basically stating that the morals and virtue of Colin Kaepernick couldn’t have nearly been to upset anyone due to the things that were happening. For example, the silent protest was evidently silent due to the morals of Kaepernick not wanting to lash at anyone or go to the media with the idea. This shows that Colin as an individual is not there to go against anyone in reference to fans, the NFL managers and even the politicians that speak negatively of him as a person. In the article both Tiell and Kane cites Jim Harbaugh in his article “The 100 most Influential People” stating a formal NFL coach used the term “remarkable” to describe Kaepernick while additionally praising him as an “outstanding player and trusted teammate.” Correlates the overall idea that Colin Kaepernick as a person would not try to create any diversity between others but to present an issue without bringing unnecessary attention to himself. As well as not doing interviews with anyone for a reason that still hasn’t been told by him. The article also states, “He spoke about injustice and the fact that he wanted to present an uncomfortable conversation in hopes that the country could become unified on the topic” (Sandritter, 2016). Explaining that without a doubt he continues to express himself so that the ones around him get the image that he is painting, so this goes by to why would anyone be mad about him expressing his belief without harming others around him.  Also remembering that all of his actions affected him drastically in relations to his career, living style and the publicity that surrounds him. Majority of the publicity being negative but as well as the minorities reaching out and showing their effort and support through his feelings towards the topic. 

With the already given information, as the reader you have to think what reason would anyone be mad with a person that have those types of characteristics and what kind of person is angered enough to think that his actions were to be disrespectful. This question brings in the next article written by John Branch, titled “The Awakening of Colin Kaepernick.” The first idea presented to those who read the article, is who is this Colin Kaepernick we’ve been hearing about so lately? What type of man is he in regard to the community and outlook of the world around him? What all has he done for those around him, instead of being selfish and a disturbance to others? Branch states “Attempts to explain who Kaepernick is – and ow and why he became either a traitor (Maybe he should find a country that works better for him,” Donald J. Trump sad as a presidential candidate last year) or a hero (“He is the Muhammad Ali of this generation,” the longtime civil right activist Harry Edwards said in an interview last week). Based off of Branch’s correlation to the people that made these statements, which are both highly educated men, as an individual you have to be realistic of those making these statements. Donald J. Trump, the president of the United States but opposes nearly all Hispanics, disrespects mental challenged individuals and as well as continues to make a fool out of this country. The kind of person Donald Trump is accounts for majority of the people who disagree with Colin Kaepernick’s actions. A poll was taking in John Breech article “Poll: Majority of Americans disagree with Colin Kaepernick’s protest.” As stated early “72 percent of Americans said that they thought Kaepernick’s behavior was “unpatriotic.”” What people don’t want to speak on is the ethnicities that participated in this poll. This poll consisted of 2,903 adults but out of that there were 1,481 white people that disagreed with everything Colin Kaepernick was doing. Not only does that change the situation but it also shines a spotlight on who actually has the issue with Colin as an African American rather than a human being. 

When speaking on this topic of course the idea of racial discrimination comes in due to the fact that he is an African American and the point he is trying to get across. Though, as a reader you have to inspect all viewpoints and respect them as well. Considering the idea of those that feel Colin intentions were to basically identify the national anthem as something that was considerable racists against his country; African Americans. What made the situation even worse is the fact that Colin Kaepernick would not do any interviews or explain the reason behind him wanting to take a knee during the national anthem. Which lead to people creating assumptions of the reasons which weren’t too good being that many people adore this country and everything that symbolizes freedom within the United States. Understanding that yes, without further knowledge and his complete utter silence to everyone in regard to him kneeling then there is an issue at hand. A man, more specific an African American male taking a knee during a song that symbolizes everything people have worked for in this country to be where we are now. That angers those who may have fought for this country and those who contribute to the success and progression of this country as well. Certainly, a miscommunication if previous information wasn’t mentioned or learned and that just causes people to react as human beings and go with there for instinct. Of course, that always isn’t the greatest choice but at that moment in time if you were just hearing about him kneeling then the first reaction would be negative. So,

 understanding that viewpoint leads to doing research and figuring out what all is happening and what is being done to correct these assumptions. 

The argument continues when you think about all the actions and reasons why anyone continues to publicize the issue and create more assumptions of Colin and the kneeling. In my personal opinion there is not legitimate reason for there to be any opposition towards his morals, ethics and characteristics. Plenty of individuals have stood tall in regard to standing up for what they feel is right in this situation but typically everyone that has spoken positively about Colin Kaepernick were other athletes. Especially his dear from Eric Reid. In the New York Times article “Eric Reid: Why Colin and I Decided to Take a Knee” Reid goes on to talk about what he could do to help Kaepernick in his movement going forward, stating that it had a “more powerful and positive impact on the social justice system”. The reason he felt so compelled to help is during this time a lot of African American men were being killed by police and many different states and cities. Those not understanding what it is for may look at Eric Reid and question his character as well, but Eric states “It baffles me that our protest is still being misconstrued as disrespectful to the country. flag and military personnel. He merely speaks on the purpose of the protest which was that men and women fought and died for us to live and peace, which also includes the right to a peaceful protest. What more can you ask of two men who only took a knee with complete silence and no disrespect to those around them disrespecting their names and characters.  As well as saying “after hours of careful consideration, and even a visit from Nate Boyer, a retired Green Beret and former N.F.L player, we came to the conclusion that we should kneel rather than sit, the next day during the anthem as a peaceful protest.” So those opposing this idea because of the “disrespect” they feel that it is affiliated with are mistaken but what media and other sources have made it out to be.

Colin Kaepernick chose to kneel because it was respectful gesture, in order to not make anyone feel that he was disrespecting a national treasure such as the national anthem. Now that the story and reason is so misconstrued due to people such as politicians, fans and NFL managers actions no one really knows the reason. The single purpose was to acknowledge and recognize what was going on in the world, African Americans being assaulted and killed for no apparent reason almost every week. He felt he needed to say something without actually speaking a world. For that reason, even though it almost took two years to show any major change NFL athletes are banding together to show their efforts. Actions are slowly being taken and many things are being considered in order for not only fans but managers of teams as well. Though Colin Kaepernick is still without any contracts in the NFL he has remarkably pushed towards a better society. 
