The fallout from Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem has continued as the Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan said the Star-Spangled Banner was a way of paying tribute to America’s armed forces.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kaepernick says he will sit for the anthembecause of the “oppression” of black people in the US. “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. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
Ryan said the decision was a personal choice but, while not naming Kaepernick, made his thoughts on the subject clear. “If there’s personal beliefs that keep you from doing it, I understand, but at the same time, you’ve got to look at the gifts that we have – the opportunity that we have to play a great game is through the men and women that serve our country,” said Ryan on Sunday. “That’s an opportunity right there just to show respect. I think that’s why, when you see our team, every one of us are on that line. That’s kind of our way of giving thanks.” – READ MORE
