My initial reaction to quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the playing of the national anthem before San Francisco 49ers’ games was irritation, even a little disgust. But, after hearing him talk about it, I’ve moved 180 degrees, and I now support him 100 percent. I don’t believe Kaepernick is unpatriotic or in any way intends to disrespect anyone. What he intends to do is draw attention to America’s insufficient efforts to live up to its own ideals. He is using his celebrity to ask us to examine how we practice our values in the way we view and treat African-Americans.
Billy, in Kap’s corner
Kiz: From NFL front-office executives to Santa Clara police, the backlash to Kaepernick has been way more over-the-top angry than his original act of protest. For many, the national anthem is a heartfelt tribute to men and women in uniform. I respect that. But no song means the same thing to everybody. To me, “The Star-Spangled Banner” represents freedom. Freedom of choice, freedom of speech and the freedom to start an important discussion with a peaceful protest.
I have a son that attends CU and have been struck by the ambivalence surrounding CU sports. We live in California, where even Cal gets better support than either Colorado school, though I would argue CU plays as big a role in Colorado as Cal does in California life. I expected a much stronger sense of community in Colorado than in California. It is the exact opposite. Any idea why college football is such a bust in Colorado? Is everybody too cool to care?
Tim, confused in Cali
Kiz: As I rode light rail to the Rocky Mountain Showdown, squished between CU fans wearing black and CSU fans wearing green, I felt genuine passion for college football rubbing against me (or at least I hope it was passion for college football). With the exception of the Broncos, however, any sport played outdoors in Colorado is regarded primarily as an excuse to hang out with a few friends in the sun. If CU fans get a tan, they don’t really care if the Buffs get a win.
Do you like the potential of Broncos rookie Paxton Lynch better than Brock Osweiler as an NFL quarterback?
Rich, Aptos, Calif.
Kiz: Osweiler and the Houston Texans will make the playoffs this year, while Lynch and the Broncos will not. But, in the long term, Lynch will have a far better NFL career.
And today’s parting shot is from a Broncos fan that needs a beer whenever he thinks about the current situation at quarterback.
I fear for our future. Or maybe itap back to the future. Trevor Siemian will take us back to the good, old days of Brian Griese and Kyle Orton, with a dink-and-dunk, game management style of offense. At least that style will allow me to go out on the deck and grill a couple burgers when we have the football and not miss any action.
Joe, likes beer and Broncos
