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NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick Takes A Stand By Sitting

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers watches from the sidelines during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, watches from the sidelines during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

To stand, or not to stand?

That’s the question people around the country are asking this week. At issue: whether it was acceptable for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to remain seated through the national anthem during a preseason game on Friday.

Kaepernick, who is black, said he was sitting in order to "stand with the people who are being oppressed." He’s also said he wants to bring awareness to civil rights problems in this country.

While that didn’t sit well with some NFL players and fans, management has said players are encouraged — but not required — to stand during the anthem. Robert Klemko writes for Sports Illustrated's Monday Morning Quarterback, and joins Here & Now's Robin Young with his perspective on Kaepernick's actions.

Guest

Robert Klemko, writer for Sports Illustrated's Monday Morning Quarterback. He tweets @RobertKlemko.

This segment aired on August 29, 2016.

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