Colin Kaeperinick says he has no regrets about his decision not to stand for the national anthem.
While he's angered many, the 49ers quarterback says he's glad people are talking about racial injustice.
"I wish people would be as outraged at murders in the street as they are about protests," Kaepernick said. "In order to change, you have to agitate, to improve as a country."
Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris says he knows all too well how dangerous being black or brown in America can be. He says Kaepernick has put issues of inequality on the national stage in a way few others could, and he's grateful.
On Aug. 26, Kaepernick sat on the 49ers bench during the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner" before an exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
The following week, on Sept. 1, he kneeled during the anthem before an exhibition game against the Chargers in San Diego. He was joined by 49ers safety Eric Reid and inspired other athletes to follow suit, namely Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane and women's pro soccer star Megan Rapinoe.
Kaepernick sparked the ire of local law enforcement when while explaining his motivation for the protest he made disparaging remarks about police officers' training and use of force.
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The San Francisco police union demanded an apology for the remarks, and Santa Clara police officers threatened to boycott working 49ers games. Other critics in the world of sports have included former 49er Jerry Rice, NFL analyst Rodney Harrison and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
But Kaepernick also has received a good amount of support for his protest, most notably from President Barack Obama, Warriors star Stephen Curry, NBA legend and activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and miltary veterans across the U.S. using #VeteransForKaepernick on Twitter.
Kaepernick has said he will donate $1 million of his salary to community organizations supporting his cause.
Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor chimed in at length Wednesday, releasing a statement on Kaepernick's protest and the city's police officers' reaction to it:
"Sometimes when complex issues become simplified by symbolic gestures and words, true meaningand true purpose can be lost in translation. That happened when Colin Kaepernick decided to sit down for the National Anthem during an NFL preseason game.
"In our free society, he has the right to express his view. But because it was an act without explanation, it has become controversial and, by Mr. Kaepernick’s own admission, misinterpreted. So too, I believe, was his choice to wear socks that thoughtlessly demeaned all police officers and his post-game statements about murder and racism that we’re considered disparaging to many good police officers.
"When Santa Clara police officers responded by suggesting that they may not work at 49er games, this too was misinterpreted. Our officers work voluntarily at these games to protect the fans and the players. They are not required to do so, despite what the police chief has publicly implied. 49er games and other stadium activities are private events that combine private security with off-duty police officers. Just as Mr. Kaepernick has the right to sit down for the national anthem, off-duty police officers have the right to sit out football games.
"However, I wish they would not, even though their participation is voluntary. I believe this act would be misinterpreted by the public, as our excellent police officers would be viewed as taking sides in a debate that is more complex and important than a football game or what they may choose to do with their off-duty time.
"The public should know what we in Santa Clara know: we have outstanding officers who for decades have been considered some of the best in our state and nation. We are proud of them and appreciate their service to our city. In addition, they are integral to the success of our stadium. Without their voluntary service which frequently requires them to sacrifice time with their families to work longer days and overtime, the public would feel less safe during games and major events. As Santa Clara’s mayor, I ask the good men and women of our police department to continue their great service to our community by continuing to work at 49ers games and other major events.
"Together, we can demonstrate that freedom of speech and public safety are both important and can coexist in our community."
