Well, this is going to be awkward.
San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he’ll continue to sit during the national anthem at any NFL football games he attends this year as a protest against the American flag and a “country that oppresses black people and people of color.”
Such a feat of bravado was easy during last week’s game. All he had to do was sit still during “The Star Spangled Banner.” This Thursday’s game against the San Diego Chargers might be a little more difficult — or awkward at least — for the politically minded bench-warmer if he decides to go ahead with his plans.
It’s San Diego’s 28th Annual Salute to the Military day, and according to the proposed schedule, it may be the single most patriotic professional football game in NFL history.
According to the Chargers’ press release, the event, which pays “tribute to the hundreds of thousands of current and retired military personnel who live and work in San Diego” will feature live pre-show entertainment from the Marine Corps band and a demonstration jump by the Frog X retired Navy SEALS parachute team.
The national anthem will performed by a Navy Petty Officer First Class while 240 soldiers from all branches of the US military unfurl what’s known as the “U.S. Super Flag” – a 95-by-130-foot version of Old Glory. At halftime, the team will have “patriotic fireworks” and a performance of “God Bless America.”
For the San Diego Chargers, the military is both close at heart and at hand. Several military bases are located in and around the coastal city, including the Marine Core Recruit Depot San Diego and US Navy Submarine Base Coronado. Several members of the Chargers lineup have family in the armed forces.
Kaepernick says he won’t give up on his crusade to educate Americans about racism by doing his regular job of watching the other 49ers do things – at least for now.
