Colin Kaepernick accuses Trump of ‘targeting’ him for National Anthem protests against police brutality

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick called out former president and GOP nominee Donald Trump for "targeting" him for protesting against police brutality, days ahead of the 2024 general election.

According to Fox News, Kaepernick kneeled during the National Anthem at the San Francisco 49ers games in 2016 to protest against police brutality. He was not retained by the team over the next season, and was not signed by other teams as well. Trump, who was elected president later in 2016, took credit for the situation.

Kaepernick vented against Trump during an interview with The Wall Street Journal podcast 'The Future of Everything', on Friday, November 1.

Donald Trump's attacks against Colin Kaepernick

Donald Trump has taken multiple swipes at Colin Kaepernick over the years. During a rally in Louisville, Kentucky, in March 2017, Trump said, "They (NFL owners) don't want to get a nasty tweet from Donald Trump. Do you believe that?"

When more players began to follow Kaepernick's example as the year progressed, Trump lashed out in September at a rally for GOP Senator Luther Strange.

"Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b***h off the field right now. Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!’" he said.

He repeated his stance in a later interview with 'Fox & Friends' co-host Pete Hegseth, saying, "The NFL cannot disrespect our country. They cannot disrespect our flag or our National Anthem."

Colin Kaepernick calls out Donald Trump for 'targeting' him

On the 'The Future of Everything' podcast, Colin Kaepernick shared that it was easier for him to analyze the situation now than when it was unfolding seven years ago.

"I think one of the key elements that is important to think about in relation to that moment is what does it actually mean to at that point have a then-sitting president being willing to target an individual citizen and using the power of their office, the power of their influence, to be able to try to minimize an individual and their aspirations," he warned as Trump seeks reelection for a second term.

"So, thinking back to that moment, I also think, plays really prevalent into where we are at today and the future that we decide to build together."

He also shared his opinion on the unrest that followed after the death of George Floyd in 2020.

"I think the fundamental piece of it is should people be able to live a better life, and should people be able to live without the threat of death?" asked Kaepernick.

"I think that fundamentally is the basis of this, and, if we take it a step further, should people be discriminated against because of the color of their skin or because of their religion or because of where they live or because of their socio-economic status?"

Conservatives slam Colin Kaepernick online

Netizens, especially conservatives reacting to Colin Kaepernick's comments on the social media platform X, attacked him for disrespecting the National Anthem and seeking attention. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"Don’t kneel during the fking anthem of the country that gave u everything. Selfish prick," wrote a user.

"No one's cares about Kaepernick's feelings," shared another.

"Can this individual just go away already!?!?!?! Unreal…. Get a life. No one cares and never did, you self centered, self righteous and self serving clown," expressed a third.

"Colin needs to take responsibility for his own actions," jibed one user.

"Desperate for attention," mocked another.

"Trump did not turn him into a mediocre quarterback incapable of winning big games. He did that himself," chided yet another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.