Kaepernick says he would protest again ten years on

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 08:44 · Archive

Colin Kaepernick says he would take the knee again, insisting he has no regrets about the 2016 protest that he believes cost him his NFL career.

Colin Kaepernick insists he has no regrets about his 2016 protest, telling the BBC: "I would absolutely do it again." The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback knelt during the US national anthem in September 2016 as a peaceful demonstration against racial injustice and police brutality. He initially sat to protest but switched to kneeling, repeating the gesture before 11 regular-season games that year.

Kaepernick's protest inspired athletes around the world, including England footballers, but also provoked fierce criticism. Opponents accused him of disrespecting the military. At the time, he said he could not stand for a flag "for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour", adding the protest was "bigger than football".

Kaepernick left the 49ers in March 2017 after opting out of his contract. Despite previously guiding San Francisco to the Super Bowl and throwing 16 touchdowns in his final season, he never secured another NFL team. He reflects that the consequences of activism are real, comparing his situation to historical civil rights figures who faced far greater costs.

How it is being reported

• Colin Kaepernick says he would take the knee again despite believing protest cost him NFL careerColin Kaepernick insists he would take the knee again despite believing his protest against racial injustice cost him his NFL career. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback became a major figure after kneeling during the American national anthem in September 2016. His peaceful demonstration against racism and police brutality inspired athletes around the world while provoking fierce criticism in equal measure. A decade later, he remains without an NFL team but maintains he has no regrets. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say "I would absolutely do it again," Kaepernick told the BBC. "I knew…GB News · 27 Oct, 08:34
• 'I would do it again' - Kaepernick reflects on price of protest, 10 years onIn his first interview with BBC Sport since taking the knee for the first time, Colin Kaepernick reflects on his journey.BBC News · 27 Oct, 06:15

In this story: Colin Kaepernick · San Francisco 49ers · United States · England · Martin Luther King · Malcolm X

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