When safety Eric Reid was asked how he would feel if he was a Dallas Cowboy – “oppressed. That’s the only word for it.”
The 49ers’ clash with their historic rival this Sunday at Levi’s and there’s an added element to this game. It will also pit the philosophy of 49ers owner Jed York against Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The latter has been outspoken about wanting his players standing for the national anthem- toes on the sideline and hand over heart.
York supported his players right to stand, sit or kneel.
Jones went so far as to say he would release any player who didn’t stand for the anthem.
Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt for the anthem last year to bring awareness to police brutality and inequality in communities of color. Reid has continued to kneel this year and several players have joined him either by kneeling themselves or placing their hand on his shoulder.
Players were asked Thursday about the dichotomy of York’s recognition of their individual rights, and Jones’ stance about forcing his players to stand for the Star Spangled Banner.
“I really appreciate what Jed York and the York family has done,” said center Daniel Kilgore, who also said he will always stand for the anthem. Kilgore has also repeatedly said that he supports Reid and believes more attention needs to be paid to inequality and racism.
“It really shouldn’t be called a protest, it’s more of an awareness,” Kilgore said.
Of the eight players consulted all of them said they had appreciation that York allowed them to express their individual rights. However, none of them would go so far as to say that they would play harder because of York’s stance.
“You always have to play hard,” Kilgore said. “You always have to put good film up.”
Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin has also engaged in kneeling this year and he’s glad to be on a team that keeps his rights at the forefront.
“He (York) allows me to exercise my rights that were granted to me by America,” Goodwin said.
Players also didn’t view this game as a clash between owner that allows for individual freedom of expression and an owner who doesn’t. However they were happy to be on the team where expression is allowed.
“He trusts his players to make the right decision and not do anything to embarrass the team or the organization and peacefully protest,” rookie tight end George Kittle said, “and he’s going to stand behind them.”
