During Thursday's preseason matchup against the Chargers in San Diego, the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled once again in protest during the National Anthem.
Kaepernick had continued his protest against the Star-Spangled Banner just before the start of the game at Qualcomm Stadium - on a night dedicated to honoring members of the US military. Despite the open lack of support, he was joined in San Diego by team-mate Eric Reid in taking a knee.
Kaepernick hopes to be the 49ers' starter, but he is likely also in competition for a roster spot after a disappointing 2015 season during which he lost his starting job and had extensive injury problems.
The stance predictably sparked coast-to-coast debate with some public figures, like Presidential candidate Donald Trump, suggesting Kaepernick find a better country, to figures from the Civil Rights era like John Carlos, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, Jim Brown and Dr. Harry Edwards voicing support.
The 28-year-old Kaepernick has become a national lightning rod in the last week, ever since he stayed seated during the national anthem prior to last Friday's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
"And I agree with that", Reid said. "If he wants to do something, go to some outreach program where he can do some good". I care about people's right to take a stand.
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Colin Kaepernick explains his decision behind sitting during the anthem. "That is not the way to do it". "He said he appreciated it". Most of the people I talk to say the same thing.
The 49ers have previously stated that they stand behind Kaepernick's choice to express his individual freedoms. Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also sat during the national anthem before his team's preseason game against the Raiders Thursday. He posted a photo of the two on Twitter with a caption reading, "Let's just keep moving forward".
At the start of the third quarter, Petty officer 1st Class Steven Powell will return to the field where he will perform God Bless America. Last night marked military night at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium - over 240 military personnel unfurled a "U.S".
In Thursday night's game, the quarterback cheered and clapped for veterans who were being recognized in the crowd.
In a military town, it's no surprise there was very strong reaction.
Kaepernick's protest received support from some members of the military earlier in the week. He has also been accused of being anti-military, ungrateful and "too rich to protest".
