President Barack Obama is weighing in on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protest of the American flag and "Star Spangled Banner."
Obama supported Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the American flag and the "Star Spangled Banner" during the G20 Summit in China on Monday. The President noted there's a long history of sports figures using their public platform to protest racial and social injustice.
"My understanding at least is he's exercising his constitutional right to make a statement. I think there's a long history of sports figures doing so. I don't doubt his sincerity based on what I've heard. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues. If nothing else, what he's done is he's generated more conversation about some topics that need to be talked about," said Obama.
"You've heard me talk about in the past the need for us to have an active citizenry. Sometimes that's messy and controversial — and it gets people angry and frustrated. But I'd rather have young people who are engaged in the argument and try to think through how they can be part of of our democratic process than people who are just sitting on the sidelines and not paying attention at all."
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Meanwhile, U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe became the first non African-American athlete to support Kaepernick's stand by taking a knee for the national anthem before the Seattle Reign's match against the Chicago Stars.
Rapinoe told former teammate-turned ESPN analyst Julie Foudy it was gesture of solidarity for Kaepernick.
"I am disgusted with the way he's been treated and the fans and hatred he has received in all of this. It is overtly racist. Stay in your place black man. Just didn't feel right to me, Need a more substantive conversation around race relations and the way people of color are treated. And quite honestly, being gay, I have stood with my hand over my heart during the national anthem and felt like I haven't I had my liberties protected.
"So I can absolutely sympathize with that feeling. The very least that I can do is continue the conversation with him by kneeling for the anthem."
