In August 2016, former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat on the bench during the National Anthem to protest racial inequality. This caused a lot of controversy about not standing during the National Anthem that continues today.

Some people say it is disrespectful. For example, President Trump tweeted, “Showing total disrespect to our Flag & Country. No leadership in NFL.” Although people like President Trump think kneeling while the National Anthem is playing is disrespectful, some people including myself support what the players are doing.

Currently, the NFL has banned kneeling during the National Anthem. Players who wish to stand by their belief are to stay in the locker room during the Anthem. I think everybody should be able to express their opinion, whether it’s about political views, religion, etc. Usually, when protests occur it sometimes turns violent but in this case the protest is nonviolent. I believe this is the reason why people like me support the protest because it’s nonviolent. I think being able to express your opinion is an important trait every human should have, and I feel like the NFL is trying to put a limit on what you think or do.

Some people believe that there is enough racial equality in the country and that there is no need to protest. I strongly disagree with those comments. There has been a lot of incidents where certain minorities have been targeted. To prevent these types of events is the reason why the NFL players are kneeling. I believe that the NFL should keep kneeling to spread awareness to the public about the preventable tragic events. Hopefully, some day everybody no matter the race, religion, skin color will be treated equally.