The Kaepernick Sideshow

I didn't really want to spend a whole lot of time talking about the Colin Kaepernick situation. But several people have asked me how I feel about it, so I feel compelled to give a brief commentary.

In a nut shell, unless a person has physical or mental impairments that prevent him from doing so, it pisses me off to see anyone sitting down during our National Anthem. I find it disrespectful to say the least. And although it's often considered a passive protest, I personally find it quite incendiary. Just look at the uproar Kaepernick has created with his pre-season sideshow.

With this being said, as crazy as it might sound, I fully support Kaepernick's right to do what he's doing. Ironically, he's exercising the very freedom that the flag and our Anthem represent. I get that. It's that freedom that we have to focus on. Exercising my own freedom of expression, I'm gonna call Kaepernick an ungrateful asshole.

I understand that Kaepernick is attempting to perpetuate the false narrative that the police are the biggest threat to young black men in America today. But what is sitting out the National Anthem going to accomplish? Maybe Kaepernick's time could be better spent boycotting the next shooting in Chicago or Baltimore. Or better yet, maybe he could contribute to a Big Brother or other mentoring program that might actually give a kid a chance at succeeding.

The 49ers washed-up quarterback has also said that his "sit-out" is to address the oppression of black people in America. It's hard for me to buy that argument when it's coming from a man who's making $19 million a year  (And as a bonus, he has a season ticket to watch every the 49ers every week from the sideline). Some people will inevitably ask, "What's money got to do with it?" Well, it's this simple.....if you're raking in $19 million a year, you're not very oppressed.

As we move closer to the opening of the NFL season, like most of the other teams, the 49ers will open their season this Sunday. Increasing the drama even more is that Sunday happens to fall on September 11. So, while there will likely be tributes/references to that infamous day in the pre-game ceremonies, it's only going to escalate Kaepernick's antics to another level. If you think he's unpopular now, just wait until Sunday.....

kw