Kaepernick denies Internet gossip of religious conversion

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SANTA CLARA – Colin Kaepernick on Wednesday said he has seen the Internet sites that have written of his conversion to the Islamic faith. He said those reports are not accurate.

“I have seen that, and I haven’t,” Kaepernick said when asked about the gossip on fringe websites.

“I have great respect for the religion. I know a lot of people who are Muslim and are phenomenal people. But I think that comes along with people’s fear of this protest, as well as Islamophobia in this country. People are terrified to the point where (Donald) Trump wants to ban all Muslims from coming here, which is ridiculous.”

[RATTO: Tip of the cap to Reid, Kelly, Nebraska, Rapinoe, Tate]

Kaepernick, who was named the 49ers' backup quarterback on Saturday, is protesting what he said he views as police brutality and oppression of minorities in America with his decision not to stand for the playing of the national anthem before games.

Kaepernick was asked about the influence of his girlfriend, Nessa Diab, star of MTV “Code Girl” and host of a nationally syndicated radio show.

“The impact is just conversations we constantly have,” he said. “This is an open discussion I have with many people, not just my woman. She is Muslim. Her family is Muslim and I have great respect for them. I have great respect for people’s right to believe what they want to believe. I don’t think anybody should be prosecuted or judged based on what their beliefs are.”

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