J. Corey Williams

Sports

Colin Kaepernick Isn’t The First Athlete To Face Backlash For Speaking Out

Black athletes have been scrutinzed for a century around what is deemed “acceptable” behavior

Eli Harold, Colin Kaepernick, and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on Oct. 6. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Ever since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick said, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” he’s been in the media spotlight. Before every game, the TV cameras fixate on him as he kneels in protest. And with each passing week, more and more players around the league have joined him in an act of solidarity.

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