"Taking a knee" is the story has dominated the NFL for the last year or so, dividing fans, the media and even the President. Since the protests began, everyone has had their say on it and now one of the most legendary names in the world of sport has weighed in on the debate. The furore began in the 2016 preseason when Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the US national anthem due to the oppression of black people in the country, and since then, it has spiraled into something much bigger with athletes and sportsmen all over the country taking a knee during the national anthem. [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ5tglkg8qg/]] Since the protest, Kaepernick has been outcast from the NFL, with no team willing to sign him due to the controversy. However, the quarterback has had plenty of support from those outside of the sport, including LeBron James. Speaking to ESPN, the legendary basketball player said: "I love football, but I'm not part of the NFL. I don't represent the NFL. I don't know their rules and regulations. But I do know Kap is getting a wrongdoing, I do know that. Just watching, he's an NFL player." "He's an NFL player and you see all these other quarterbacks out there and players out there that get all these second and third chances that are nowhere near as talented as him. It just feels like he's been blackballed out of the NFL. So, I definitely do not respect that." [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BbkCcpChB-d/]] Since Kaepernick's protest, 42 other quarterbacks have been signed in the NFL. James said that he doesn't see any reason for the QB's lack of a team, other than it being a backlash for his protesting during the anthem. "The only reason I could say he's not on a team is because the way he took a knee. That's the only reason. I watch football every Sunday, every Thursday, every Monday night. I see all these quarterbacks—first-string, second-team, third-team quarterbacks—that play sometimes when the starter gets hurt or are starters that play." "Kap is better than a lot of those guys. Let's just be honest." James isn't the only high profile athlete to express this opinion. In March, Richard Sherman, the cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, also said that Kaepernick was being blackballed. [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BbcXPqchduW/]] "I'm sure he is. It's difficult to see because he's played at such a high level, and you see guys, quarterbacks, who have never played at a high level being signed by teams. So it's difficult to understand. Obviously, he's going to be in a backup role at this point." "But you see quarterbacks, there was a year Matt Schaub had a pretty rough year and got signed the next year. So it has nothing to do with football. You can see that. They signed guys who have had off years before." While plenty of people believe that Kaepernick is being blackballed due to his protest, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell downplayed this idea. When asked about Kaepernick's situation during a visit to a New York Jets training camp, he said: "Those are independent decisions that clubs make," he told reporters. "Clubs are going to do what they think is in the best interest of their franchise and what it is that they can do to win." I mean, it's pretty clear that the refusal to sign Kaepernick is down to the controversy that he causes. But if his protests are peaceful and respectful, what does it matter?

Colin Kaepernick divides opinion among many NFL fans. There are those who believe his refusal to stand up for the national anthem before a preseason game was him simply exercising his right to protest, and there are others who believe that he is a disgrace to the sport and his country. However, one thing that cannot be denied is that he is a talented player, and its a shame that he is now a free agent now due to a peaceful protest. For those that are unaware, Kaepernick refused to stand for the American national anthem during a pre-season game in 2016, and it sparked outrage across social media. Speaking to the media about his protest, Kaepernick said: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. "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" The story continued to develop throughout the season, with other players joining Kaepernick in his protest and either kneeling or raising their fist during the national anthem to show support with the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the quarterback, who had received abuse and death threats online because of his protest. However, Kaepernick refused to stop his protest, and speaking to the press later in the season, he said that he would continue to do so until he could see significant change. "Yes, I'll continue to sit. I'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me this is something that has to change. "When there's significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand." Due to his controversial protest, Kaepernick's jersey quickly became the most sold in the NFL, while he was also the least popular player in the sport. But, despite many people believing he deserves the treatment he received, one NFL legend has called on the quarterback to be allowed a return to the sport. Tom Brady, who is arguably the most famous player in NFL history, has called on a team to take a chance on Kaepernick due to his talents in the sport. When asked if he sees the player returning to the NFL, Brady said: "I certainly hope so." "I’ve always watched him and admired him, the way that he’s played," "He was a great young quarterback, he came to our stadium and beat us, and took his team to the Super Bowl in 2012. He accomplished a lot in the pros, as a player, and he’s certainly qualified. I hope he gets a shot.” It's good to see Brady back a fellow professional who is being treated unfairly due to his personal opinion, which in the grand scheme of things, has done no harm to anyone whatsoever. According to a variety of media sources, there are plenty of teams looking at Kaepernick and no doubt as the season goes on and players pick up injuries, we will see him adorn a team's jersey once again.

In 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick became the NFL player to take a knee during the national anthem. It was a peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality, spurred by a string of alarming incidents where cops killed unarmed black men. Initially, Kaepernick began sitting on the bench during the national anthem. However, US Army special forces veteran Nate Boyer persuaded him to kneel instead because in the military that action is considered respectful.

Despite the seal of approval from an American vet, conservatives found taking a knee during the national anthem profoundly disrespectful - to the flag, to the country and to military veterans. At rallies, Donald Trump blasted the protestors with zeal, declaring them "son of bitches" who should be "fired." Kaepernick became a free agent, and remains one to this day. Supporters claim he's been blacklisted. In protest, celebrities such as Rihanna, Jay-Z and Cardi B have boycotted the NFL, which might explain this year's lackluster Super Bowl halftime show.

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During last Sunday's Super Bowl, several celebrities posted on social media to voice their support of Kaepernick, who they believe is being treated unfairly. "For those of you who thought I was watchin the Super Bowl… we beefin," wrote Rihanna on Instagram, alongside a drawing of the 31-year-old quarterback. In response, Kaepernick shared her post with the caption, "appreciate @badgalriri keepin it ?✊?."

But it's not just singers and actors. On Super Bowl weekend, NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant expressed support for Kaepernick by rocking his limited edition No. 7 jersey. Nike began selling the sportswear after making the inspirational activist the face of their new advertising campaign last September. Conservative sports fans were so outraged they posted videos of themselves burning their Nike gear in protest. (That'll show 'em!) Meanwhile, Nike's market value rose to an all-time high of $6 billion.

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On Twitter, Kaepernick shared photos of James and Durant rocking his jersey, and thanked them for showing solidarity.

The kneeling protest has become a part of the American culture war, with football fans complaining that politics is ruining their sport. Back in August 2016, Kaepernick responded to the "unpatriotic" criticism, telling the media, "I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country... And they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone. That’s not happening. People are dying in vain because this country isn’t holding their end of the bargain up, as far as giving freedom and justice, liberty to everybody."

He continued, "There is police brutality. People of color have been targeted by police. So that’s a large part of it and they’re government officials. They are put in place by the government. So that’s something that this country has to change. There’s things we can do to hold them more accountable. Make those standards higher."

In 2016, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick risked his job to start a movement. Before football games, he took a knee during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality. It was a peaceful way to protest the many shocking cases of white police officers killing unarmed black civilians. In many cases, these horrific acts were captured on video, and the officers were not prosecuted or convicted for excessive use of force.

This movement sparked anger from critics, who believe taking a knee during the national anthem somehow disrespects the American flag and insults the military. One of the loudest critics, President Donald Trump, referred to the protesters as "sons of bitches" and even called for them to be fired from the NFL. Evidently, the owners were listening. Since 2017, Kaepernick has been without a team, reportedly blackballed for having the audacity to participate in a peaceful protest.

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This week Nike announced Kaepernick will become the face of their new advertising campaign. As you might expect, the critics were outraged, calling for a boycott and burning their Nike products in retaliation. It is unclear how burning expensive products you purchased is an effective protest, but hey, at least they remembered to take their shoes off first.

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In an interview, President Trump said he disapproved of Nike's new campaign. "I think it’s a terrible message that they're sending and the purpose of them doing it, maybe there’s a reason for them doing it, but I think as far as sending a message, I think it’s a terrible message and a message that shouldn’t be sent. There’s no reason for it." (As previously stated, the "reason" is to protest racial inequality and police brutality.)

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Earlier today, Nike released a full commercial starring Colin Kaepernick that makes a powerful statement. The two-minute ad features professional athletes, like Serena Williams and LeBron James, plus inspiring amateur athletes, like a football-playing homecoming queen and an Ironman participant who recovered from a brain tumor. There is no footage of NFL players taking a knee, but many phrases allude to the protest.

"People say your dreams are crazy, if they laugh at what you think you can do, good. Stay that way. Because what non-believers fail to understand is that calling a dream crazy is not an insult, it’s a compliment...

"Don’t try to be the fastest runner in your school, or the fastest in the world. Be the fastest, ever... Don’t settle for homecoming queen or linebacker; do both. Lose 120 pounds and become an IronMan, after beating a brain tumor. Don’t believe you have to be like anybody to be somebody."

Kaepernick provides the narration, and appears on camera, saying, "Don't ask if your dreams are crazy. Ask if they're crazy enough." And it all ends with the words, "It's only crazy until you do it. Just do it." Well, Diddy hasn't hired Kaep yet, but at least he got a gig.

The commercial is reportedly scheduled to play during the NFL opener on Thursday night.

Thirteen months ago, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick remained seated on the stadium benches while the national anthem played at the beginning of a preseason game. Not many people noticed at the time, but his silent protest was one of utmost importance. When challenged on his actions, Kaepernick explained that he could not support a nation that fosters institutional racism, and that carrying on as normal while innocent black people are getting murdered by police officers would be selfish: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people, and people of color. 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." Kaepernick later transitioned to kneeling during the anthem, in order to show more respect for military veterans, and has been continually doing so for over a year. Again, nobody took much notice. However, his actions were publicised on Friday when President Donald Trump spoke out against Kaepernick's (and others') refusal to stand for the anthem. "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a b**** off the field right now, out, he's fired. He's fired,'" said Trump during a campaign rally in Alabama. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/912624892239077376]] Unsurprisingly, the President's comments caused uproar; firstly, because they showed a gross amount of ignorance and misunderstanding towards what the protest was actually about (not towards the flag, but towards racial inequality), and secondly, because it showed his disregard for those who are affected by institutional racism. Since then, more and more people have been "taking a knee" to show support for Kaepernick and his fight against unfair treatment towards people of color, but not without criticism. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/TheNormanLear/status/913148374404050944]] Recently, a six-year-old boy was punished for taking the knee during the Pledge of Allegiance at school. Instead of standing alongside his fellow pupils, the child knelt down, and was subsequently called out in front of the class by the teacher, who told him to "stand up and stop it". The mother of the boy, who has not been named, later received a text message from his first grade teacher on the day of the incident. It said: "I just wanted to let you know that this morning when it was time to do the Pledge of Allegiance [redacted name] went down on one knee. I knew where he had seen it but I did tell him that in the classroom ... we're learning about respecting the United States of America ... and showing loyalty and patriotism." The mother says she did not tell her son to take a knee, but also respects his decision to do so. She was angered that the teacher would imply that her child's actions showed disrespect, as she says: "The bigger issue is cultural. They have demonstrated to me, through multiple incidents, that they don’t take inclusion and diversity serious." [[rumblewidget||https://rumble.com/embed/u9m1b.v14hyf/]] To be exempted from joining the Pledge of Allegiance, a student is supposed to have a written request from their parents. But, arguably, the boy did still join in, he just did so on his knees. Clearly, this issue continues to be a divisive one, but punishing children for highlighting injustice does not seem to be a viable way of solving the problem. Hopefully, President Trump will see that this protest is not intended to disrespect the USA, but rather to make sure that everybody is able to feel pride in their country.