Kaepernick Takes A Knee At Soldier Field; Both Sides Have Something To Say
CHICAGO (CBS) -- San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled once again during the national anthem Sunday, this time at Soldier Field in his team's 26-6 loss to the Bears.
Both supporters and critics of his actions had something to say, as CBS 2's Sandra Torres reports.
Football fans walking in to Soldier Field for the game between the Bears and the 49ers were greeted by supporters of Kaepernick, who during the national anthem has been kneeling and protesting the shooting deaths of African-Americans by police.
"As long as police in America are getting away with murder, he will refuse to stand for the national anthem," Lou Downey said.
Arny Steiber, of Veterans for Peace, added: "Colin is doing a very brave thing for standing up for his beliefs."
Kaepernick expressed his reasons after the game, noting that Sunday was 47 years to the day since Chicago police gunned down Black Panther leader Fred Hampton inside his apartment during an overnight raid.
"I do think there's significance being the anniversary of the assassination of chairman Fred Hampton," he said. "Being in Chicago acknowledging a black figure like him is very important."
Many fans took issue with Kaepernick's views, especially at Soldier Field, a venue dedicated to veterans.
"He has a right to protest, but not here. This is not the venue," veteran Randy Brewer said. "I don't appreciate it being a veteran. I think he needs to stand up or go away."
Dozens of other athletes at professional and high school levels have adopted the protest.