Embattled 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has sparked heated debate across the nation after opting to sit through the national anthem Friday as an act of protest.
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He’s already having a difficult time getting people to listen to his message given the means of his protest, but things may have gotten worse for him.
At a post-game press conference, Kaepernick was seen wearing a t-shirt with pictures of Fidel Castro and Malcolm X on it along with the caption “Like Minds Think Alike.”
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Sports columnist George Diaz of the Orlando Sentinel, whose family left Cuba in 1961, slammed Kaepernick in his most recent piece.
Here’s an excerpt:
There is no question that racial inequality needs to be a topic of conversation in the United States. But that gets us back to Cuba, where such conversations can get you in prison.
My family left there in 1961. We left our home, our furniture, most of valuables and our relatives behind because we were seeking freedom. It wasn’t for money, nor the opportunity to visit Disney and Universal.
We wanted to be free, and the United States, bless its soul, gave us that opportunity.
So yes, I find it personally insulting that Kaepernick is oblivious to the fact that Castro is one of the most vile dictators of modern times with extensive human rights violations.
Public figures are also weighing in on this, with one referencing Diaz’s column.
New York assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) called Kaepernick “a TOTAL idiot” for wearing the shirt.
Just in case you haven’t seen it, here’s what Colin Kaepernick said Friday after sitting through the national anthem.
I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.
He said in a follow-up remark that he will continue to sit until he sees “significant change.”
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