These athletes risked their jobs and fought to ensure equality for blacks in America

Colin Kaepernick

Three years ago, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat during the national anthem for a pre-season game in protest of the continuous shooting to death of African-Americans by the police.

Kaepernick’s protest was triggered by the shooting to death of Mario Woods. Woods’ killing set off months of protests in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood.

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The 26-year-old suffered 21 gunshot wounds, including two to the head and six in his back.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said.

“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,” he added.

Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem opened him up to vicious criticism, especially from President Trump.