San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, sat during the National Anthem.

During the three 49ers preseason games, Kaepernick has decided not to stand at attention during the singing of the National Anthem.

According to Kaepernick, it is an act of objection. He says that he is upset with what he sees as racial oppression in his home United States of America.

“Yes, I’ll continue to sit,” explained Kaepernick. “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.”

“It’s something that I’ve seen, I’ve felt, wasn’t quite sure how to deal with originally,” continued Kaepernick. “And it is something that’s evolved. It’s something that as I’ve gained more knowledge about, what’s gone on in this country in the past, what’s going on currently. These aren’t new situations. This isn’t new ground. There are things that have gone on in this country for years and years and have never been addressed, and they need to be.”

Kaepernick has received a terrible backlash for his decision, but is aware of the ramifications of his decision. He spoke out to clarify that his issue is not with the flag or the military.

According to Kaepternick, his only regret is that much of the talk has surrounded him and not his cause.