San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a stand yet again Thursday night by taking a knee before the San Diego Chargers game.
However, this time he was not alone in his protest against the national anthem, as teammate Eric Reid also refused to stand.
As Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” while 240 military officers held the U.S. flag on the 28th annual Salute to the Military night, Kaepernick and Reid noticeably stood out at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.
The Southern California city has a strong military population and fans were not impressed, as boos and heckles were heard both during their protest and whenever the visiting QB had the ball, People reported.
Kaepernick also made a statement Thursday about his distinctive socks with pigs in police helmets on them, which he said on Instagram he’s worn in the past in a stance against “rogue cops.”
Also according to People, further north up the California coast, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also refused to stand during the anthem before Thursday’s game against the Raiders in Oakland
Kaepernick did not stand up for the anthem last week and explained to reporters that he was sending a message that is bigger than football, because he won’t “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people.”
The 28-year-old was already in jeopardy of not making the team in San Francisco because of poor performance on the field before the anthem protest became national news.
Earlier this week, the 49ers issued a statement on the incident: “The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”
See photos and video of his latest protest via Twitter below.
Colin Kaepernick true to his word. He heard boos as he entered San Diego's stadium. (📽️ via KCAL9) pic.twitter.com/4EYL0HSosw
— Will Reeve Jr. (@WillReeveJr) September 2, 2016
Here is #49ers QB Colin Kaepernick tonight during the national anthem in San Diego. Kneeling. pic.twitter.com/QYEVkb7DcV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2016
BREAKING: Colin Kaepernick getting boo'd as he walks off the field in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/rSDS2j4v1z
— Liz Habib (@LizHabib) September 2, 2016
Colin Kaepernick is booed as he takes the field for warmups in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/n2maH6pn29
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) September 2, 2016
Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid each took a knee during tonight's national anthem in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/8SULdVvM0J
— ESPN (@espn) September 2, 2016