49ers Coach: Kaepernick Has Right To Express His Feelings
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) -- 49ers head coach Chip Kelly on Tuesday morning again addressed the controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick refusing to stand during the National Anthem when he confirmed the quarterback would play later this week.
The team is trying to move on from the Colin Kaepernick National Anthem drama. They say he will be on the field on Thursday night as they play the San Diego Chargers.
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Kaepernick is expected to once again sit through the National Anthem. He says he'll do it for as long as he feels is appropriate and until he sees significant progress in America when it comes to race relations.
"I'm going to continue to stand with the people who are being oppressed," said Kaepernick Sunday.
The criticism against his stance has been furious, with some theorizing that protest would lead the 49ers to ditch him as quarterback.
After swirling trade talks all off-season, he's battling for the starting quarterback position with Blaine Gabbert. But the 49ers coach Kelly says the controversy won't affect who he chooses to play.
"We recognize his right to express his feelings, but that doesn't affect what we do at 8:15 in the morning until we leave at 8 o'clock at night," said Kelly. "We're all about preparing for the Chargers game obviously this Thursday and, more importantly, for the Rams season opens up on Monday night."
49ers players also weighed in on the controversy.
"I think it would be foolish if you were to say there isn't an issue in this country with minorities. There's a million issues in America and this is something he feels strongly about and I respect him for voicing his opinion on it," said Eric Reid.
"I've just been focused on football and that's it. Thursday. That's all I'm worried about. Trying to make this 53," Garrison Smith said with a laugh.
Kelly said he planned on having four possible quarterbacks at Thursdays game. They have two more days of training first in Santa Clara.