August 26, 2016. This is the date that all respect was lost for San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. He decided that he wanted to show his disdain for America by not standing up for the National Anthem before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick claims “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

Keep in mind that Kaepernick is biracial, raised by a white family, went to college, and has done very well for himself.  In fact, “Colin Kaepernick signed a 6 year, $114,000,000 contract with the San Francisco 49ers, including a $12,328,766 signing bonus, $61,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $19,000,000. In 2016, Kaepernick will earn a base salary of $11,900,000, a roster bonus of $2,000,000 and a workout bonus of $400,000” (spotrac.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/colin-kaepernick-7751/) .

Despite all of his success, the professional football player feels oppressed and that he must protest against the corruptness in America. By all means, this is acceptable. The first Amendment in the Constitution clearly states that every citizen is granted freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. Legally Kaepernick did nothing wrong, but in the eyes of the media and public his actions showed nothing but disrespect to America.

Not only does the majority of the public disagree with Kaepernick’s actions, but his fellow professional football players have spoken out about how they are stunned by his defiance. New Orleans Saints Quarterback, Drew Brees stated, “Like, it’s an oxymoron that you’re sitting down, disrespecting that same flag that has given you the freedom to speak out.”

Jerry Rice, retired San Francisco 49er, claims “All lives matter. So much going on in this world today. Can we all just get along! Colin, I respect your stance but don’t disrespect the Flag.” This perfectly describes what the problem is and what he did incorrect.

There is no problem with having an opinion and voicing it but Kaepernick voiced it an inappropriate way. If he felt so strongly about the racial injustices in America he should use his fame in a more productive manner. Instead, all Kaepernick has succeeded in doing is showing disrespect to an American symbol of freedom, unity, purity, pride, patriotism, etc.

The only good thing that has come from the show that Kaepernick has put on is now the demand for his jersey has skyrocketed. The price of his jersey currently is about $99. “The agreement between the NFLPA, the players’ union, and the league, players gets two-thirds of the money made by selling jerseys” (money.cnn.com/2016/09/07/news/companies/colin-kaepernick-donating-money-jersey-nfl/). The recent gross in jersey money for Kaepernick allows him to donate the proceeds. He released the statement “I wasn’t expecting my jersey sales to jump to number one because of [my protest], but it shows the people’s belief that we can achieve justice and equality for ALL! The only way I can repay you for the support is to return the favor by donating all the proceeds I receive from my jersey sales back into the communities!”

Even though this is a positive and will help many communities the only reason he recently received this money was by insulting a National symbol. Now he is thanking all of his supporters and thinks he is achieving justice and equality when he is just creating more protest. How does one gain respect for a cause by disrespecting another?