Kaepernick Again Doesn't Stand for National Anthem; Booed by San Diego Chargers Crowd [PHOTO]

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick again did not stand when the national anthem was played before Thursday night's preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.

Kaepernick took a knee on the 49ers sideline, with safety Eric Reid kneeling next to him, as Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" while 240 sailors, Marines and soldiers presented a U.S. flag and service emblems from all branches of service.

Color guards from the Navy, Marine Corps and Army presented the flag as the Chargers conducted their 28th annual Salute to the Military tonight, including a pregame parachute jump by retired Navy SEALs.

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Kaepernick was booed when he took the field before the game and again before every time he took a snap during the first half of the 49ers 31-21 victory.

Kaepernick did not play in the second half.

Kaepernick was seen sitting during the national anthem before Friday's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

Kaepernick later said he wouldn't stand to show pride in a flag "for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

At halftime, the Chargers recognized six Vietnam War veterans in a remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the conflict. The team also have wounded warriors as special guests and a patriotic fireworks show to conclude the halftime break.

Just before the start of the third quarter, Powell returned to the field to perform "God Bless America."

Kaepernick, who is biracial and grew up with white adoptive parents, came under heavy criticism for his stand, including from Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump, who suggested he find a different country. He has also received support for his right to protest.

Chargers fullback Chris Swain, a Naval Academy graduate, told 10News before the game, he views the national anthem differently than Kaepernick.

"I stand and show respect for it, but he has the right to do what he wishes and I respect that," Swain said.

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, an ex-Marine who represents San Diego's East County area in Congress, said on the ESPN/ABC podcast, "Capital Games" that Kaepernick "probably fits in very well in San Francisco," referring to the city's more liberal bent.

Hunter said he thinks the quarterback will be booed and receive "a whole lot of negative reaction" in San Diego.

"I think you can combat what Kaepernick's doing with a show of force on the other side," Hunter said.

"That's saying, 'Hey, we respect the flag because it stands for something that's constant, and that's the sacrifices and what the American military has done for this country."'

Hunter said on the podcast that standing for the national anthem before sporting events brings people together, no matter who they are.

Kaepernick led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, his second season in the league, but has struggled recently, including losing his starting job midway through last season.

Kaepernick did not play in San Francisco's first two preseason games following multiple surgeries.

— City News Service

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