San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been the subject of widespread debate since he started the entire national anthem protest craze around the NFL during the summer.
Not someone to back down to criticism or remain quiet in the face of increased debate, Kaepernick continues to touch on the perceived injustices facing the African-American population in American society.
Joining Kaepernick in speaking out against these injustices is Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, who has remained seated during the anthem prior to his team’s two games this season.
On the heels of Marshall speaking out against the shooting death of an unarmed black man in Oklahoma, this controversy has been taken to a whole new level around the NFL world (more on that here).
Kaepernick himself touched on the latest police-related incident while informing the public of death threats he’s received since taking a stand for justice in the United States.
“I’ve had a few (death threats) come my way, but not too concerned about it,” Kaepernick said inside the 49ers’ locker room on Tuesday, via The Mercury News.
This is the ugly side of what should be a healthy debate surrounding the issues we’re seeing on American streets today. Representing a minority that has been oppressed in this nation since its inception, Kaepernick has taken a non-violent stance. He’s been met by criticism, and now, multiple death threats.
The backup quarterback didn’t specify the platforms used to throw these threats his way, but he did mention social media.
In speaking up about the shooting death of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa earlier this month, the much-maligned signal caller did not hold back.
“This is a perfect example of what this is about,” Kaepernick said. “It will be very telling about what happens to the officer that killed him.”
With Kaepernick and others making sure the issue of police brutality doesn’t die down, the on-field controversy will remain in the NFL throughout this season.
Whether that means he’s fearful of what might happen moving forward, the quarterback doesn’t seem to be concerned about his safety.
Even then, it is worrisome that he would receive death threats for taking a non-violent stand against violence in this nation.