U.S. Soccer players have waded into the debate stirred by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick regarding standing during the national anthem.
Megan Rapinoe dropped to a knee during the Seattle Reign game last night, while Jozy Altidore said that “in a way” he understands the heart of Kaepernick’s gesture.
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Tim Howard is of two schools of thought on the issue. The USMNT goalkeeper, who will set the record for most World Cup qualifiers played by an American man on Tuesday, will be singing loud and proud.
But he also very much supports the quarterback.
Kaepernick’s move was met by mostly outrage in the early stages of reaction, but it seems more people are getting a feel for what Kaepernick is doing as time has gone on.
As an aside, my wife and I took our son to the Drive-in last night for a showing of “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” and, as is custom there, the Drive-In played the anthem before the film. Some were audibly discussing Kaepernick and more leapt from their lawn chairs and vehicles to stand than I can recall in similar past circumstances. Kaepernick’s move struck a nerve, and may not be going anywhere anytime soon.
