Flag On the Play?

If you haven't heard about this story by now then you've been hiding underneath a pretty big rock. On August 26, 2016 San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, made a power move on the field when he refused to stand up during the national anthem in protest for racial injustice and minority oppression. Although this wasn't the first time Kaepernick protested (he sat during the anthem in the first two preseason games) it was highly noticed because this time he was in uniform. Kaepernick told NFL media in an exclusive interview I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color... 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.

For anyone who thought Colin Kaepernick's actions were just preseason shenanigans, guess again. Kaepernick continued to fight for his cause this past Monday during the team's primetime regular season opener on the big Monday Night Football stage. Kaepernick, sticking to his guns, knelt during The Star Spangled Banner with teammate Eric Reid once again kneeling by his side in solidarity. During the same game two players from the LA Rams, Kenny Britt and Robert Quinn, stood with their fists help high in the air to show their support for racial injustice. In the season opener for the Denver Broncos, Broncos linebacker and Kapernick's former college teammate, Brandon Marshall, also knelt during the anthem.

There are several more players from various teams who have chosen to sit in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick in support of the silent protest that's sweeping the league. Both the players and coaches from the Seahawks came together and protested. They did not take a knee but instead linked arms in unity during The Star Spangled Banner. Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner stated Sunday’s demonstration had to be a team effort, anything we want to do, it’s not going to be individual. He elaborated, That’s what the world needs to see. The world needs to see people coming together versus being individuals.

What does nfl commissioner Roger Goodell think about all of this? In a recent interview with Matt Lauer, Goodell simply stated I support our players speaking out on issues they think need to be changed in our society. We don’t live in a perfect society Matt. Our players have strong views about things so I support our players speaking out about that.

Since Colin Kaepernick started his protest, his  No. 7 jersey has grown increasingly popular. Sales have skyrocketed and the jersey is now number 1 in the league's official store. Kaepernick announced via Instagram last Wednesday that he plans to donate 100% of the proceeds he receives right back into the community, giving to charities that help people in need

Despite the fact that his jersey is selling like crazy, not all of Kaepernick's fans are happy with his protest and some of them have expressed their anger by burning his jersey. He's also received some harsh criticism from several athletes and both current and former nfl players yelling flag on the play. He's been accused of disrespecting the American flag and America as a whole. He has even been accused of disrespecting the military and the men and women who have served this country despite having received public support from some of those very same men and women.

Many have weighed in on this trending topic. Check out the excellent discussion between former nfl players Shannon Sharpe and Ray Lewis and sports analyst Skip Bayless from FOX Sports' Undisputed below. If more discussions could take place like this amongst people of different races, with power, and a platform we could make some positive changes for equality and justice.