|
The 30-year-old, who was a quarterback at the
San Francisco 49ers for six years and sparked a national debate
when he knelt during the national anthem during the 2016 NFL
season to protest racial injustice and police brutality, smiled
at the cheers.
Former 49ers safety Eric Reid, who protested alongside
Kaepernick and who like his former team mate remains unsigned,
also received a warm reception when he was also shown raising a
fist at a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"Every athlete, every human and definitely every African
American should be completely grateful and honored by how Colin
and Eric are doing so much for the greater good," Serena
Williams told reporters following her win.
"They really use their platform in ways that is really
unfathomable, so I feel like they obviously have great respect
from a lot of their peers, especially other athletes and people
who are looking for social change."
Kaepernick and Reid have both filed collusion grievances against
NFL owners and league over the fact that neither has been signed
by any of the NFL's 32 teams since their protests spread around
the league.
On Thursday, system arbitrator Stephen Burbank denied the
league's request to dismiss the case, which means he found
sufficient evidence for the case to continue and perhaps go to
trial.
The protests of the national anthem have raised the ire of some
NFL fans and U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said they
disrespect the American flag and the military.
(Editing by Nick Mulvenney)
[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
|
