NFL star Colin Kaepernick has been receiving a mix of support and criticism following his choice to sit while his teammates stand during the national anthem.
It’s a bold move but also one that solidifies his stance as it relates to the unjust incidents against Black people taking place, repeatedly, in society.
Among those who choose to take the “All Lives Matter” route are former NFL athletes Jerry Rice and Tiki Barber.
When asked his thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s choice of action, Rice, a Hall of Fame wide receiver who played for the ‘Niners declared:
All lives matter. So much going on in this world today.Can we all just get along! Colin,I respect your stance but don’t disrespect the Flag.
— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) August 30, 2016
During an interview with CBS, Barber, the former New York Giants running back candidly expressed why he disagrees with Kaepernick’s protest. “There are issues in this country. That you have to commend him for. But I don’t commend him for sitting and not honoring this country and our flag,” Barber said.
“I don’t commend him for sitting and not honoring this country and our flag.” — @TikiBarber on @Kaepernick7 pic.twitter.com/8JeU9WKQZf — CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) August 29, 2016
In Kaepernick’s reasoning for opposing the national anthem, he discusses the contradictions of the anthem in relation to reality.
“This country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. It’s not happening for all right now. It needs to change,” Kaepernick said.
Once Twitter got tuned-in to Rice and Barber’s statements, they let loose and expressed their thoughts on the former NFL athletes’ point-of-view.
Predictably, Barber got dragged.
Asking Tiki Barber about social issues is like asking Ja Rule about a national crisis. #Dont pic.twitter.com/EWalkwLr66
— HELLA BLVCK (@HELLABLVCK) August 30, 2016
Tiki Barber still fumbling in 2016 and he doesn’t even play anymore . — Early Eckles (@MyNameIsEarly_) August 30, 2016
Tiki Barber is no Moral authority on anything for cheating on his pregnant wife with his young intern whom he later married. #IsupportColin
— skdixon (@sdixon3171) August 30, 2016
Jerry Rice is receiving his share of Twitter slaughter as well…
Jerry Rice went to school down the road from where Emmitt Till got killed and really said All Lives Matter — King Jay (@JayFrieson) August 30, 2016
