Why Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem protest would be so much worse in NJ

Could Colin Kaepernick ever play in New Jersey? No way.

Although it could have happened this off season when the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers were talking about it according to “sources," the Jets fortunately came to their senses and avoided the public relations nightmare that would have happened if Kaepernick refused to stand for the National Anthem at Metlife Stadium on Sept. 11. That's when the Jets open their season against the Cincinnati Bengals.

To sit out the anthem in this stadium so close to where so many of our friends and relatives, police and firefighters lost their lives 15 years ago would be unforgivable regardless of how well he played.

Then again, Kaepernick hasn't been playing that well since he took the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2013. In fact he's in a quarterback competition on his current team that he doesn't appear to be winning. If he were to be released like some say, I doubt very much if another team would want to take on the negative publicity they would receive.

Would you want him here?

Kaepernick always marched to the beat of his own drum. He did not stand for the National Anthem at the 49ers first two preseason games. He never called attention to his sitting out until he was asked about it by the NFL Network's Steve Wyche, after sitting out the nationally televised pre season game 3.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

While Kaepernick is entitled to his opinion, if he had researched the facts he would have seen that more white people have shot by police than blacks. Authorities also have have not concluded investigations involving recent incidents; we don't yet know exactly what happened in each one. Whether you agree with the findings of the justice system, it is the only system we have in this country, and it's complete with an appeals process.

But regardless of all this, it's Kaepernick's opinion and many Americans have sacrificed their lives for his right to have it. If he's willing to deal with the fallout, that's up to him.

I personally have the right to disagree with him.

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