Colin Kaepernick did not stand during the National Anthem [picture]

Fooch’s note: Mike Garafolo tweeted that Kaepernick has been doing this all preseason.

Colin Kaepernick has not just been completely focused on the competition for a starting role with the San Francisco 49ers. He recently has been very vocal on social media about the social injustices that have been sweeping the headlines all over the country. Possibly as a statement in conjunction with what he has been expressing, the QB did not stand during the National Anthem preceding the third preseason game. Instead, he quietly sat in front of the Gatorade coolers by himself, seemingly without anyone noticing.

I was in the press box during the game and tweeted out a picture of the sidelines during the game in comedic reference to the show Hard Knocks. Little did I know that the same photo provided proof that the Kaepernick was indeed seated during the the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.

Jennifer Lee Chan

The 49ers released this statement to ProFootballTalk, who broke the story, following the game:

The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.

Until Kaepernick or his representation makes a statement, we cannot be sure of the true reason for him not standing for the National Anthem. What we do know is that the NFL is a conservative organization down to its patriotic logo and it’s an organization that is heavily intertwined with the military. In a league where image is very important, it is doubtful that this will go away anytime soon.