Colin Kaepernick's anthem protest did not affect San Francisco 49ers, Chip Kelly says
Friday 31 March 2017 16:22, UK
Chip Kelly has rejected the suggestion that Colin Kaepernick's decision not to stand during the pre-match playing of the national anthem had a negative effect on the San Francisco 49ers.
The 29-year-old quarterback made headline news during the recent NFL season when he refused to stand for the American anthem, as a protest against racial injustice in the United States.
But former 49ers coach Kelly has refuted claims that Kaepernick's actions had been a distraction for the team.
Kelly, who was sacked by the 49ers at the end of last season, which yielded a dreadful win-loss record of 2-14, said: "He met with the team immediately after his first protest.
"He met with the other team leaders. He explained his position and where he was coming from. There was zero distraction.
"Literally, that was it. Colin was focused on football. He was all about the team and trying to help us win."
Kaepernick, who initially sat during the anthem before altering his stance by kneeling, is currently a free agent looking for a new team ahead of the 2017 season which starts later this year.
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