Locals React To Colin Kaepernick's Protest Of National Anthem
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - On what was supposed to be a big night for 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, playing in his first game since fully recovering from his injury, he is now in the spotlight for a very different reason.
Kaepernick released this statement after last night's game where he didn't stand for the national anthem.
He says, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."
Some fans from around Northern California say they are disappointed in Kaepernick.
In fact, one restaurant in his hometown of Turlock is so outraged by his decision that it's making a big change to its menu.
"We decided to pull the hot dog and signs on the wall off."
Molly Amant is an employee at Main Street Footers in Turlock, and one of Colin Kaepernick's biggest fans.
Kaepernick, who was raised in Turlock after his family moved from Wisconsin, is a hometown hero now causing some disappointment.
"I don't agree 100% with what he's doing," Amant said.
Now the establishment is cutting the Kaepernick Footer, one of the most popular hot dogs on the menu.
"When he was in the Super Bowl the first year, we were packed wall to wall in here for many, many nights," Amant added.
Other fans are expressing their disappointment in different ways.
"It's our national anthem and he was born here, respect it," said one disgruntled fan.
Some fans in Sacramento are upset with Kaepernick, calling him unpatriotic and inconsiderate for not standing during Friday night's national anthem.
"I think he should look besides that...factor in our soldiers, the ones that go out and fight for him," said another 49ers fan.
Berry Accius is a community activist in Sacramento who believes influence is power. He thinks Kaepernick made a bold and courageous move in an effort to restore the equality people of color have fought so hard to get.
"What Kaepernick is saying is that if I am to be patriotic and stand for a flag, then show Black people and brown people justice," Accius said.
49ers coach Chip Kelly gave CBS13 a statement over the phone Saturday responding to Kaepernick's actions:
"We recognize the right of any individual to choose to participate or not to participate in the national anthem … it's encouraged, but not required, to stand during the national anthem."