Colin Kaepernick's Controversy

Do athletes have the right to protest while on the clock. Last year a quarterback caught the sports community on fire. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin kaepernick last summer sat for the national anthem. His actions would spark controversy around the country and debates over freedom of speech. Kaepernick stated that his actions were meant to start a conversation on oppression against African Americans and police brutality. His massage however would be clouded by controversy, when people believed his silent protest was disrespectful to the military. Kaepernick may have started this protest, but athletes from all over the country and in all different sporting events would join him in his mission. “I’m not going to stand up to show
These actions were viewed in all different way and from all different types of people. From your everyday fan to players, coaches, owners and even the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. And not everyone was in favor of Kaepernick choice to protest during the National Anthem. “I agree that America is not perfect. I agree that there are a lot of issues with minorities in this country. And I agree that we should do something about it. But I don't know if the most effective way is to sit down when the National Anthem of a country that has provided you freedom and is provided you $60 million a year is the best way to do it, when there are black minorities that are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan that are protecting our freedom for less than $20,000 a year” (Alejandro Villanueva, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Aug. 29, 2016). But the biggest moment during the last 13 months happened on September 22 2017 when president Donald Trump stated “Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects the flag, to say get that son of a bitch off the field right now. He's fired. He's fired”. This single quote would spark outrage