Colin Kaepernick and his decision to protest the flag by sitting down during the National Anthem in a pre-season game last week has been all over the news lately. Many of his athletic peers have spoken out against him, including accused rapist, Ben Roethlisberger. In a recent interview with ESPN radio hosts Mike & Mike, he made his stance clear.
âWhen it comes to the National Anthem and the flag, I think it stands for something different. You know, like you said, family, brothers, my grandfather served in the Navyâpeople that have served this countryâmen and women whoâve lost their lives…to me thatâs the National Anthem we stand and support because they give us the freedom to play this game. We are so, so lucky to play a game that we love…and thatâs because we have the freedom that soldiers have given us.â
Roethlisberger isn’t the first to oppose Kaepernickâs protest, but thanks to Twitter, the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick was born. The hashtag stands in support of Kaepernickâs right as an American citizen to sit during the National Anthem and comes from the very men and women who others have said Kaepernick disrespected by sitting down.
https://twitter.com/mr_itisourduty/status/770722405455126530
https://twitter.com/morris_mann/status/770940868282945536
https://twitter.com/brittneeraebaby/status/770938710426804224
The oath was defend the Consitution not the anthem. #Veteransforkaepernick pic.twitter.com/pJFaqag868
— Dave *Turns Out Social Isolation Sucks* Bledsoe (@TheHell_Podcast) August 31, 2016
Don't use my service–or that of any veteran–to justify the silencing of black Americans. Not on my watch. #VeteransForKaepernick
— Charlotte Clymer đłïžâđ (@cmclymer) August 31, 2016
Whether or not one agrees with his decision, one thing not up for debate is that he has the right to do so and that is what our brave service members have fought forânot a song or piece of cloth.