Seahawks’ Michael Bennett supports Kaepernick’s protest
Aug 29, 2016, 7:35 AM | Updated: 1:00 pm
Seattle Seahawks' Michael Bennett walks on the field during the team's NFL football training camp in Renton. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett supports 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem protest.
Bennett told The Seattle Times that Kaepernick has the right to any beliefs he wants.
Kaepernick sat when the National Anthem played before the 49ers played the Green Bay Packers in Santa Clara, California. He says it is in protest of police brutality and the oppression of black people.
Related: Richard Sherman weighs in on Colin Kaepernick’s protest
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said.
Kaepernick says he’ll continue to stay seated until he feels real change has been made.
“No one’s tried to quiet me, and you know, to be honest, it’s not something I’m going to be quiet about … this isn’t for look, this isn’t for publicity or anything like that,” he explained to CBS. “This is for people that don’t have the voice.”
Nobody should have a problem with Kaepernick choosing not to stand during the anthem, Bennett told the Times. It’s freedom of speech and action, “and that’s what makes America great,” he said.
Bennett isn’t afraid to speak his mind. For example, he had no problem adding to a conversation regarding the Black Lives Matter movement last year, after teammate Richard Sherman spoke out about it.
As for Kaepernick it appears there will be no repercussion for choosing not to stand during the National Anthem.
“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony,” a statement from the 49ers said. “It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”
Meanwhile, some NFL fans are letting Kaepernick know how they feel about his decision to sit out the anthem.
49ers fans burning Kaepernick's jersey to the National Anthem pic.twitter.com/MILA3AxNld
— BLACK ADAM SCHEFTER (@B1ackSchefter) August 28, 2016
Related: ‘Dirty plays’ have led to fights in Seahawks practice
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