Fans divided on Kaepernick controversy
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The controversy continues for Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers' quarterback, kneeling this time, as the national anthem played before a preseason finale Thursday night in San Diego. But Kaepernick didn't act alone this time as safety Eric Reid joined him in his protest.
Every week without fail inside High Sierra Grill. You'll find a group of 49ers' fans cheering their team through thick and thin.
"We are just here to see who makes the cut, the 53 man roster, obviously, there is a little bit of controversy," said James McGuire, 49ers' fan.
The game against the Chargers was billed as the pre-season finale showdown but the real focus was on Kaepernick.
"I found it a little disrespectful given I have family in the military," said Luis Lozano, 49ers' fan.
The quarterback's drawn fire for sitting and then kneeling through national anthems. Appearing to shun the nation's sacred song as a way to object to wrongdoings against African Americans and other minorities in the United States.
"A lot of problems with protesting nowadays is the way they do it, they do it violently. He's doing it peacefully by sitting down, speaking his mind, and not being afraid to say how he feels," said McGuire.
Thursday's game was also San Diego's annual salute to the military. A sailor sang the star spangled banner and while everyone else stood Kaepernick and Reid remained on the ground.
"He's bringing terrible attention to himself. You know he's got to prove himself on the field, you know, put that other stuff aside. He's getting paid to play the game, not give his opinion," said Lozano.
"Feel like police brutality is a big issue right now in the United States. I feel like there needs to be a solution to the problem and I support his 1st Amendment right," said McGuire.
Kaepernick refuses to apologize and on Thursday he was also criticized for wearing socks showing pigs wearing police hats. Some fans said Kaepernick should be more worried about his football career than this publicity stunt.
"We're here to watch the game, first of all, support the Niners. It's not about one guy," said Lozano.
Agreeing to remain divided on the player, but united behind the team.
