San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick moved quickly Thursday to defend his wearing socks appearing to depict police officers as pigs — saying that he has "two uncles and friends who are police officers and work to protect and serve ALL people."
"I wore these socks, in the past, because the rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions police departments, not only put the community in danger, but also put the cops that have the right intentions in danger by creating an environment of tension and mistrust," he wrote in a post on Instagram.
"I have two uncles and friends who are police officers and work to protect and serve ALL people.
"So before these socks, which were worn before I took my public stance, are used to distract from the real issues, I wanted to address this immediately," Kaepernick said.
Social media erupted Thursday after Twitter posts showed the quarterback wearing the socks during practice.
Kaepernick has been under fire from many corners, from his birth mother to San Francisco police officers, for sitting during "The Star-Spangled Banner" during last week's NFL exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers.
He said he was protesting the treatment of African Americans and other minorities in the United States.
The 49ers will be playing the San Diego Chargers on Thursday, CBS Sports reports, and Kaepernick is expected to continue his protest.
The Chargers will be honoring 240 military members before the national anthem.
Some Twitter posters, however, didn't buy Kaepernick's explanation:
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