When Colin Kaepernick sits out the national anthem on Thursday against the San Diego Chargers, he’ll be doing so in front of a large military contingent.
The Chargers are hosting 240 military members on the field as part of their 28th annual Salute to the Military. To be clear, this was planned by the Chargers before Kaepernick’s political declaration.
From Chargers.com:
Fans in attendance will enjoy pregame entertainment provided by the Marine Band San Diego along with the Frog X parachute team, featuring retired navy seals who will be leaping into Qualcomm Stadium. The National Anthem will be performed by Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell from the U.S. Navy while 240 sailors, marines and soldiers present a U.S. Super Flag and service emblems from all branches of service. Color guards from the Navy, Marine Corps and Army will present the flag.
Kaepernick has tried to make his stance clear that he’s not protesting the military. There’s even video of him last season signing autographs for troops and posing for pictures.
But in this polarizing debate, many Americans — including prominent NFL figures like Rex Ryan and Drew Brees — see his protest as a lack of respect for military members. Kaepernick continues to be a debate on cable news and traditional news outlets like the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Kaepernick is expected to start on Thursday. Chip Kelly announced Tuesday that Blaine Gabbert will not dress for the preseason finale in San Diego.
