Spike Lee Backs Midtown Rally For NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A rally at the National Football League's Midtown headquarters got a major backer Tuesday when filmmaker Spike Lee endorsed the protest on Twitter.

The rally in support of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will be held at the NFL's Park Avenue offices on Aug. 23, according to Lee's tweet. Lee later clarified that he did not organize the rally, but that he supports Kaepernick's activism on police brutality and racial justice in the United States.

"I Did Not Organize And Set Up This Protest. However I Still Support My Brother And His Stance On The Injustices In The USA," Lee said on Twitter.

The rally is being organized by "The People's Consortium for Human and Civil Rights, Inc., Justice League NYC, faith-based leaders and allies" according to a Facebook event.

Kaepernick is currently an NFL free agent after a season in which he tossed 16 touchdowns compared to four interceptions for the lowly San Francisco 49ers. The quarterback has seen his career prospects dwindle after he began protesting the national anthem before games by sitting or taking a knee during the song.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after a game last year. "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."

The protest drew the ire of many fans who interpreted Kaepernick's actions as a sign of disrespect for the U.S. Military. This offseason NFL teams have opted not to offer Kaepernick a contract, although many former and current players and coaches have said that he's talented enough to make a roster.

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