Eric Reid: Colin Kaepernick Changed His Position to be More Respectful to Military

Colin Kaepernick softened his stance on sitting out the National Anthem, and decided instead to take a knee in the 4th game of his preseason Thursday night. Kaepernick’s initial message was blurred by his decision to sit out the anthem last week, so this is clearly a step in the right direction.

His teammate, Eric Reid, also took a knee, and had this to say about Kaepernick:

"It feels like he decided to change his position, by taking a knee, to be more respectful to the military, be more respectful to the Anthem, but still wanted to raise awareness to the issues he believes harm this country, and that I wholeheartedly agree with exist in this country."

After the game, Kaepernick took another positive step from his clunky start, according to Yahoo’s Charles Robinson:

" The point of the conversations, according to multiple sources, has been to take what started as a controversial protest and move it into a more active and impactful direction. Kaepernick is seeking to take a step forward from talking about the “why” of his views on social injustice, and move into the “how” of creating progressive resolutions. What that means hasn’t solidified yet. But it appears to be headed into the direction of more active, goal-oriented dialogue with police departments, social leaders and even legislators. And perhaps with the help of some more NFL players, too. After Thursday night’s game, Kaepernick told reporters he’d donate $1 million to charities that supported social justice causes. He is scheduled to earn $11.9 million in base salary this season. "

Imagine how much more powerful and impactful this would have been if he hadn’t started out by angering so many. Perhaps Kaepernick’s decision is taking a page out of the DeMarcus Cousins playbook. The NBA star is attempting to strengthen the bond between police and the community in Mobile, Alabama, by sponsoring an event.

" “DeMarcus Cousins is doing what Colin Kaepernick should have done.” @JasonrMcintyre pic.twitter.com/87Cmzpiic7 — Speak For Yourself (@SFY) September 2, 2016 "

Nobody’s going to be angry about this event. Nobody’s going to protest it, or attack Cousins. Socks won’t be part of the discussion.

I’m hopeful Kaepernick can get on that level.