Tony La Russa disagrees with Gabe Kapler’s form of protesting, despite frustration on gun violence

While Tony La Russa respects Gabe Kapler, he said he does not agree with his decision to protest the national anthem.

This past Friday, San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler announced that he would no longer take the field for the national anthem until he felt better about the direction of the country. His decision stems from the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas where 19 Robb Elementary School students and two teachers were murdered by an 18-year-old using an AR-15 rifle.

Ahead of the team’s game against the Cubs, Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa said that while he respects Kapler and agrees with his stance on gun violence, he does not agree with his decision to protest the national anthem.

You can listen to La Russa’s comments below, courtesy of Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Tony La Russa disagrees with Gabe Kapler’s decision to protest national anthem

La Russa says that his objections to Kapler protesting the anthem are in relation to servicemen and servicewomen.

Kapler wrote a letter on his lifestyle and fitness website, Kaplifestyle, discussing the tragedy that took place in Uvalde and talked about what his father taught him when he was a child.

“When I was the same age as the children in Uvalde, my father taught me to stand for the pledge of allegiance when I believed my country was representing its people well or to protest and stay seated when it wasn’t,” wrote Kapler. “I don’t believe it is representing us well right now.”

Ahead of San Francisco’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, Kapler explained his decision as to why he would not be taking the field for the anthem.

“I don’t plan on coming out for the national anthem going forward until I feel better about the direction of our country,” said Kapler. “That’ll be the step. I don’t expect it to move the needle necessarily, it’s just something I feel strongly enough about to take that step.”

Stemming from the senseless act of violence that took place in Uvalde that resulted the loss of 21 innocent lives, Kapler decided to not participate in the national anthem. La Russa, while he respects Kapler, does not agree with that decision.