The other day we reported the Colin Kaepernick controversy that’s hijacked a good chunk of the national collective discourse (he’s the 49ers quarterback who protested the national anthem before a recent preseason game) and how a fellow NFLer — in this case, Buffalo head coach Rex Ryan — found the action disrespectful to military veterans in particular.
We also cited a few other’s who were anti-Kaepernick too (diplomatically of course) including former Navy QB Keenan Reynolds.
Now’s the time to present the other side of the coin. Those who are behind the former University of Nevada standout.
And get ready for this: they come with some heavy credentials.
Most of them? They’re military veterans.
This from Larry Brown Sports:
… one funny thing happened on Tuesday: Kaepernick began to receive support from the very people the masses said he was disrespecting. And the support came in the form of a movement on social media “#VeteransforKaepernick.”
Check out some of the moving responses …
#veteransforkaepernick pic.twitter.com/chcHpHkYJ0
— BRUH WITH DA FADE (@Treyfade) August 30, 2016
If you think Colin Kaepernick is disrespecting the flag, you might wanna comb through #VeteransForKaepernick
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 31, 2016
I serve for his right to protest.. I don't serve for Police Brutality.. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q6GUNTwHDO
— Airbnb Papi (@JoeOnDemand) August 31, 2016
I serve to protect your freedoms, not a song #VeteransForKaepernick
— Jeffrey Crossman (@JCrossman1) August 31, 2016
I don't agree with all of his points, but I'll fight to the death for his right to say it. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/0jeFlIv5RX
— Isaac wright (@I_Zac33) August 31, 2016
#veteransforkaepernick I no longer own a uniform but I will always be a disabled veteran. I almost died for everyone's freedom.
— holy hell (@holyhellkel) August 30, 2016
In case there was doubt left
I'm a veteran and I support @Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick
— A.J. Richards (@WillLiftForFun) August 30, 2016
A millionaire actually caring and doing something for poor people hes never met is AMERICAN #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/42NCwS84jV
— Black Ryan Lochte (@BlakeInmerica) August 30, 2016
I'm active duty army and I support @Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/UWgM4NGyg1
— Panda Papi (@everythingKAM) August 30, 2016
Crazy the media is trying to tell how VETERANS feel about the Kap situation. I support him. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/IP2orede7k
— Eli'jah Jordan (@elijahXL) August 31, 2016
A friend's dad is a veteran, and he had this to say #VeteransForKaepernick ???? pic.twitter.com/razcFPUtQV
— Cordell (@cordellsimmons) August 30, 2016
#VeteransForKaepernick also reiterates that America should treat its vets better instead of invoking them for Kaepernick arguments
— Ira Madison III (@ira) August 31, 2016
Apart from the hashtag, former Seattle Seahawk and Green Beret Nate Boyer penned a deeply honest and open letter to Kaepernick — more of an invitation to open the discussion about his stance to sit and what it means to be American rather than a refutation. It’s what good debate should sound like. And you can read it by clicking here. We highly recommend it.