Colin Kaepernick Named GQ Magazine's Citizen Of The Year
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been named GQ's magazine's "Citizen of the Year" for his activism.
Kaepernick began kneeling instead of standing during the national anthem last season to protest racial inequality and police brutality. The demonstration sparked a wave of NFL protests by players during the anthem that repeatedly have been denounced by President Donald Trump. Kaepernick parted ways with the San Francisco 49ers in March and hasn't been signed by another team.
Kaepernick said on Twitter he's "honored" by the recognition.
I'm honored to be recognized by @GQMagazine as Citizen of the Year. https://t.co/s6wBZTa6tH
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) November 13, 2017
The magazine 's story includes comments from several of Kaepernick's supporters and confidants. Rapper J. Cole says Kaepernick "sacrificed his dream" to stand for something. Ninety-year-old singer and activist Harry Belafonte says seeing people like Kaepernick taking action is "the greatest reward" he could ask for.
Other GQ honorees include "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman of the Year"), Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant ("Champion of the Year) and "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert ("Bad Hombre of the Year")
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)