An entire stadium (almost) stood Thursday night as Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell performed the national anthem and the Chargers kicked off their 28th annual “Salute to the Military” at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.
Performing the Anthem for the Chargers tomorrow. God is so amazing couldn't ask for a better time them this. pic.twitter.com/S50RmzsxAq
— Steven Powell (@Stevenpsings17) August 31, 2016
As planned, 240 members of the military formed a giant “super flag” on the field.
Military night at The Q in San Diego – #Chargers vs #49ers pic.twitter.com/yGhm2dWBRY
— NICK HAMILTON (@NickHamiltonLA) September 2, 2016
We almost hate to mention it and ruin a beautiful tribute to the military, but there was quite a bit of buzz online about a couple of players who didn’t stand for the singing of the anthem due to injuries to their feelings.
https://twitter.com/passantino/status/771531112250089480
Oh yeah, it was that Colin Kaepernick guy. He looked kind of lost and lonely in that big crowd.
https://twitter.com/_Patriot8_/status/771533153378766848
Military appreciation night with an African American serviceman singing, and #Kaepernick still couldn't stand during the National Anthem ?
— Jared Rex, BSN, RN, CMSRN (@rexy2012) September 2, 2016
Appears that Eric Reid also is sitting during anthem. Had been supportive of Kaepernick's stance during week.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 2, 2016
Yeah, this is gonna be a thing. Divisive and ineffectual.
— Andrew (@SuperMandrew49) September 2, 2016
Both stood up until the music started, then Kaepernick and Reid (not in uniform) took a knee during the song. https://t.co/YJ2VhiJVT7
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) September 2, 2016
It would be tempting to run a funny caption contest, but who could beat this entry?
This is what courage looks like. #respect #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/7jXZEIiRT9
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) September 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/CameronDMartin/status/771535257401077760
Look again, up front.
Are you referencing the guy in the white hat or the millionaire refusing to stand with his teammates? https://t.co/IcViY3W2fo
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) September 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/BMS355/status/771534445325058048
Yeah, it is military appreciation night after all. Cut to a shot of the field already so viewers can see what courage looks like. This guy sitting down isn’t really grabbing our attention.
Damn straight. That Marine is the epitome of courage.
— Grits'nGravy (@GermanShepher10) September 2, 2016
Well, he did volunteer to defend Kaepernick's right to sit there like a d-bag. That's what Marines do.
— That's LIEUTENANT COMMANDER Crapplefratz! (@Crapplefratz) September 2, 2016
I agree. Marine looks sharp.
— Rob Reber (@Robb_R9) September 2, 2016
No doubt. Zirin might be talking about the football player, though, when he says “this is what courage looks like.”
https://twitter.com/nalathekoala/status/771534720299433984
https://twitter.com/SteelBReal/status/771538347361640449
Nah. THIS is what courage looks like.??He looks like a 3 year old pouting on the cereal aisle. pic.twitter.com/MP0DibyMvs
— Sean DuVall (@duvall172) September 2, 2016
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