Woody Johnson on Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest: ‘It wouldn’t be my first choice’
Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to media after a 31-21 preseason win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on September 1, 2016 in San Diego, California. Credit: Getty Images / Harry How
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Sitting or kneeling during the national anthem will quickly get Woody Johnson’s attention.
Asked what his reaction would be to one of his players taking a stand against social and racial issues by taking a knee the way Colin Kaepernick has, the Jets owner said: “It wouldn’t be my first choice.”
Kaepernick, the 49ers’ biracial backup quarterback, sparked national discourse and debate with his decision to kneel during the national anthem during the preseason. His peaceful protest immediately drew both praise and ire from Americans of all walks of life, including military personnel and NFL players.
“I think I would have a conversation with him at that point to try to find out what’s motivating that person to do that kind of protest,” added Johnson, one of the biggest GOP fundraisers and a Donald Trump supporter.
Jets receiver Brandon Marshall came to Kaepernick’s defense on Tuesday, calling the quarterback “one of the biggest patriots out there because he’s standing up for human rights.
Kaeperick -- who recently pledged to donate the first $1 million he makes in 2016 to organizations that address racial injustice and police brutality -- announced on Instagram Wednesday that he plans to donate all of the proceeds he receives from his top-selling jersey sales to communities.
