While not speaking specifically for President Obama, the White House Press Secretary did throw out an opinion regarding the latest football-related controversy.
In speaking about Colin Kaepernick’s decision not to stand for the national anthem on Friday night, Josh Earnest had this to say.
“What I can say is that I certainly don’t share the views that Mr. Kaepernick expressed after the game in explaining his reasoning for his actions,” the White House’s spokesman said, via ABC News.
It’s the first public reaction from the top spokesman of the executive branch. It also tells us a story of a split between Kaepernick’s stance and those who create policy in the United States.
“We surely acknowledge and even defend his right to express those views,” Earnest continued. “Even as objectionable as we find his perspective, he certainly is entitled to express them.”
Earnest wasn’t speaking specifically for President Obama. Though, he’s the mouthpiece of the administration. He wouldn’t have gone on record publicly without the go-ahead from top members of the administration itself.
While calling Kaepernick’s actions “objectionable,” the White House did conclude that he has the right to speak out.
This comes at the same time that Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump spoke out on the growing controversy.
https://twitter.com/mckaycoppins/status/770350999068344320
For his part, Kaepernick indicated that he will continue to sit for the anthem until he feels things have changed from a racial perspective in the United States.
With public figures making sure to comment on this situation, it’s readily apparent that the controversy itself isn’t going to die down.
The White House made sure of that by broaching the topic during Monday’s briefing.