Monday 29 August 2016 12:20, UK
Colin Kaepernick has revealed he refused to stand for the US national anthem before a pre-season game due to the “oppression” of black people.
The San Francisco 49ers quarter-back has triggered uproar among fans for his decision to remain seated before the game with the Green Bay Packers.
Kaepernick claimed it would be "selfish" to mark the anthem in light of the deaths of black Americans in recent years after standoffs with police officers.
The 28-year-old, who is a supporter of The Black Lives Matter campaign group, said: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of colour.
"To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.
"There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
His club, the 49ers, said they respected their players' wishes not to stand for The Star-Spangled Banner song.
It read: "The National Anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honour 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."
An NFL spokesman said players were "encouraged but not required" to stand during the anthem.
