Colin Kaepernick says he is receiving death threats for national anthem protest
By Kareem Gantt
San Francisco 49ers backup QB Colin Kaepernick revealed that he has been receiving death threats for his national anthem protest.
Colin Kaepernick has been protesting the national anthem for weeks, but now, he is shocking the sports world again by announcing that he is receiving death threats for his stance.
According to USA Today, Kaepernick told reporters that he has received death threats from “a couple different avenues” for his refusal to stand for the national anthem. His revelation even took the San Francisco 49ers and Santa Clara Police by surprise, saying in response that they haven’t received any confirmation of threats against Kaepernick’s life.
“I can confirm that to this point we haven’t received any reports and aren’t investigating any allegations of threats against Mr. Kaepernick,” Santa Clara Police spokesman Wahid Kazmem told the press.
The 49ers echoed the same sentiment, also adding that safety of players, staff, and fans are their top priority. “The safety of our players, staff, and those who visit our facilities are of the utmost importance,” 49ers spokesman Bob Lange said. “We investigate and evaluate any and all security threats and act accordingly.”
The team has also stated that because Kaepernick is not too concerned about the death threats, the 49ers don’t expect to increase security for home games.
But the death threats are just another sign that some people are not taking the protests, which has been growing in recent weeks, well. Last week, the police union that represents sheriff’s deputies in Broward County, Florida, released a statement asking that all law enforcement personnel stop working security detail for the Miami Dolphins after four of the team’s players decided to take a knee during the National Anthem in their road opener against the Seattle Seahawks.