The moment Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem to protest “police brutality”, others around the country took note and followed his disrespectful lead. Not only did it spark a wildfire that blazed across the nation, but it also had far impacting repercussions for Kaepernick’s team as well. The Santa Clara Police Union threatened a boycott against the 49’ers if there was not any disciplinary actions taken against Colin Kaepernick.
According to NBC Bay Area, an obtained letter, penned by union members, to the San Francisco 49ers stating that if the organization does not take action against Kaepernick, “it could result in police officers choosing not to work at your facilities.”
The Santa Clara Police Department is the lead police agency at Levi’s Stadium. During 49er games, around 70 officers volunteer to work and are paid as security personnel. Now it is unknown whether more than half of those officers will show up at the team’s next game on Sept. 12.
“I’m already hearing it this week that next week on Monday Night Football, some officers are not going to work,” said Frank Saunders, president of the Santa Clara Police Officers Association.
Although disheartened and angered by Kaepernick’s remarks, Santa Clara Police Department Chief Michael Sellers called for his officers to put the community’s safety above potential boycotts in a statement issued Saturday.
“The safety of our community is our highest priority,” Sellers wrote. “I will urge the POA leadership to put the safety of our citizens first. I will work with both sides to find a solution. In the meantime, I will ensure we continue to provide a safe environment at Levi’s Stadium.”
As if starting this stunt wasn’t bad enough, Kaepernick also caused outrage when he was photographed wearing socks depicting pigs in police uniforms.
H/T NBC Bay Area