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Football player's act of protest duringanthem has fans
red-hot
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick runs with the
football during the first half of an NFL preseason gameagainst the
Green Bay Packers in Santa Clara, California, August 26, 2016.
Photo: AP Photo/Tony Avelar
Colin Kaepernick is a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers
football team. Recently, heupset some people by refusing to stand
as the national anthem played. The nationalanthem, or "The
Star-Spangled Banner," plays before most big sports events.
MostAmericans stand with their hands over their hearts while they
listen to it. It is a sign ofrespect and of patriotism, or love of
the country.
As a sign of protest, Kaepernick refused to stand up during the
anthem. Some peoplesupported Kaepernick's decision, but others were
angry. Even fans of the 49ers becameupset with Kaepernick.
Shane White says he is a lifelong 49ers team fan. In a Facebook
post, he included video ofhimself destroying a football jersey
while the national anthem is played. "Well, Colin, here'smy salute
to you," he said.
A fan who calls himself Nate3914 told the quarterback, "if you
don't love our country, getout of it. You should never play another
down in the NFL. Move to Canada." The NFL is theNational Football
League.
By Washington Post, adapted by Newsela staff on 09.01.16 Word
Count 584
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Protesting Police Actions
Kaepernick did not break the law or team rules by refusing to
stand. The 28-year-oldKaepernick is half-black. He was adopted and
raised by white parents who encouragedhim to be proud of being
black. Kaepernick, who sat back by the water coolers during
thesong, said he was well aware that people would react.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a
country" that keeps black peopleand people of color down,
Kaepernick told NFL Media's Steve Wyche. "To me, this isbigger than
football," he said. "It would be selfish on my part to look the
other way," headded. He spoke about the concerns with policing in
the United States.
Lately, the news has focused on the shootings of black people by
white police officers. Agroup called Black Lives Matter is trying
to raise awareness. People who support BlackLives Matter believe
that some police and courts treat black people unfairly.
49ers Have No Official Rule
Kaepernick's team spoke of the symbolism of the song while also
pointing outKaepernick's right to protest. The team said it was in
keeping with such American ideals asfreedom of speech. His coach,
Chip Kelly, also supported his right to express himself.
The NFL, in a statement, said that players are "encouraged but
not required" to stand forthe song.
Ian O'Connor works for ESPN, a sports TV channel. He spoke out
for Kaepernick. Hewrote, "This is what American servicemen and
women have defended," his right to sing thenational anthem loudly
or refuse to sing it. As long as Kaepernick is not keeping
histeammates from their rights "to make their own red, white and
blue choices, what's theproblem here?"
Former Teammate Speaks Up
People reacted in different ways.
Anquan Boldin used to be on the same team with Kaepernick. His
cousin was shot by apolice office just last year. Still, as a
football player for the Detroit Lions team, Boldin stoodup for the
anthem on Saturday. He told the Detroit Free-Press newspaper,
however, that hesupported Kaepernick's right to make the
statement.
Boldin said he was sure some people would not agree with
Kaepernick. However, he saidthe great thing about America is that
you have a chance to protest.
Kaepernick told reporters that he knows he did the right thing.
He must stand up forpeople who are kept down, he said.
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Quiz
1 Which sentence from the article BEST supports the idea that
Kaepernick had the right to sitdown as the national anthem
played?
(A) Recently, he upset some people by refusing to stand as the
national anthemplayed.
(B) As a sign of protest, Kaepernick refused to stand up during
the anthem.
(C) Kaepernick did not break the law or team rules by refusing
to stand.
(D) He must stand up for people who are kept down, he said.
2 Based on information in the article, which statement is
TRUE?
(A) The national anthem is usually not played at sports
games.
(B) Most football fans support what Kaepernick did at the
game.
(C) Kaepernick did not stand during the national anthem because
he could nothear the anthem.
(D) Most Americans stand with their hands over their hearts when
they hear thenational anthem.
3 Based on the introduction [paragraphs 1-4], which sentence
BEST explains how fans ShaneWhite and Nate3914 feel about what
Kaepernick did?
(A) They both respect what Kaepernick did.
(B) They both believe that what Kaepernick did was wrong.
(C) White is supportive of what Kaepernick did, but Nate3914 is
not.
(D) White salutes what Kaepernick did, and Nate3914 does not
care whatKaepernick did.
4 How is Kaepernick's point of view about refusing to stand
during the national anthem similar ordifferent from his team's
point of view?
(A) It is similar because both Kaepernick and his team think he
has the right toprotest.
(B) It is similar because both Kaepernick and his team want to
show support oftheir country.
(C) It is different because Kaepernick says he does not want to
show pride in hiscountry's flag, and the team thinks he should.
(D) It is different because Kaepernick feels it is selfish to
stand and the teamthinks it is important to stand.
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Answer Key
1 Which sentence from the article BEST supports the idea that
Kaepernick had the right to sitdown as the national anthem
played?
(A) Recently, he upset some people by refusing to stand as the
national anthemplayed.
(B) As a sign of protest, Kaepernick refused to stand up during
the anthem.
(C) Kaepernick did not break the law or team rules by refusing
to stand.
(D) He must stand up for people who are kept down, he said.
2 Based on information in the article, which statement is
TRUE?
(A) The national anthem is usually not played at sports
games.
(B) Most football fans support what Kaepernick did at the
game.
(C) Kaepernick did not stand during the national anthem because
he could nothear the anthem.
(D) Most Americans stand with their hands over their hearts when
they hearthe national anthem.
3 Based on the introduction [paragraphs 1-4], which sentence
BEST explains how fans ShaneWhite and Nate3914 feel about what
Kaepernick did?
(A) They both respect what Kaepernick did.
(B) They both believe that what Kaepernick did was wrong.
(C) White is supportive of what Kaepernick did, but Nate3914 is
not.
(D) White salutes what Kaepernick did, and Nate3914 does not
care whatKaepernick did.
4 How is Kaepernick's point of view about refusing to stand
during the national anthem similar ordifferent from his team's
point of view?
(A) It is similar because both Kaepernick and his team think he
has theright to protest.
(B) It is similar because both Kaepernick and his team want to
show support oftheir country.
(C) It is different because Kaepernick says he does not want to
show pride in hiscountry's flag, and the team thinks he should.
(D) It is different because Kaepernick feels it is selfish to
stand and the teamthinks it is important to stand.
Football player's act of protest during anthem has fans
red-hotProtesting Police Actions49ers Have No Official RuleFormer
Teammate Speaks UpQuizAnswer Key