San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick on Wednesday confirmed he did not vote in Tuesday’s presidential general election.
Kaepernick told Arizona-area reporters on a conference call he stayed away from voting or following the news of Donald Trump’s victory to become the next U.S. president.
“I really didn’t play too close of attention, because I’ve been very disconnected from the systematic oppression as a whole,” Kaepernick said on a standard call to preview the upcoming 49ers-Cardinals game.
“So, for me, it’s another face that’s going to be the face of that system of oppression, and to me, it didn’t really matter who went in there. The system still remains intact that oppresses people of color.”
Kaepernick has taken a knee during the playing of the national anthem since the fourth and final game of the preseason. He said he is protesting racial inequalities.
During the bye week, Kaepernick hosted an event for children in Oakland entitled, “Know Your Rights” camp. He has also pledged to donate $1 million to community charities that address social issues.
In choosing not to go to the polls, Kaepernick also passed voting for other elected officials down the ballot, as well as 17 California propositions.
