Santa Clara police are threatening to boycott 49ers games over Colin Kaepernick

The Santa Clara, California, police union sent a letter to the San Francisco 49ers on Friday objecting to quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit during the playing of the national anthem to call attention to issues of police brutality and racial injustice.

If the team does not discipline Kaepernick, the letter says, "it could result in police officers choosing not to work at your facilities." The note characterized Kaepernick's silent protest as "harassing behavior" toward officers which was "insulting, inaccurate and completely unsupported by any facts."

The 49ers responded Friday evening by reiterating support for Kaepernick's right to free expression. Previously, Kaepernick said again on Thursday he is "not anti-American" and protested with an intent to "help make America better."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up