‘He Was Kneeling for a Reason’- Yankees Legend Derek Jeter Pushes Back Against the ‘Anti-america’ Narrative Surrounding Controversial NFL Star Colin Kaepernick

Be it on the field or off the field, Derek Jeter has been a role model in American sports. With a 20-year-long career, the former New York Yankees captain never got engaged in controversy. He always took a stand for what he believed was right.

Recently, Jeter also voiced his opinion on the infamous Colin Kaepernick saga in 2016. Notably, Kaepernick—a former NFL quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers—had refused to stand during the playing of the National Anthem in an NFL game. Kaepernick’s stand was against the oppression of and wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States.

This whole incident sent a powerful message to the people of America. However, it also cost Kaepernick his Pro-football career. When this incident took place in 2016, a few people also tried to set a different narrative on Kaepernick’s stand. But Jeter believes that what Kaepernick did was not anti-America.

Derek Jeter on anti-America narrative against Colin Kaepernick’s action

Per an exclusive interview with TIME, the former Yankees captain opened up about what would have been his reaction to Kaepernick’s stand had he still been playing in 2016. Notably, Derek Jeter retired two years before this incident.

The Yankees legend said that Kaepernick’s stand was not against the country or the anthem. But it was for a different reason. He also said that there is nothing wrong with taking such stands.

Read more: When SF 49ers Star Colin Kaepernick Stunned With an 87-Mph 1ST Pitch for San Francisco Giants

“I would have said it’s not about kneeling for the anthem. He was kneeling for a reason. I don’t think it was anti-America. It was for something that he’s standing up for. And the same thing when I was down in Miami, with the team… peaceful protests,” Derek Jeter said.

“In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with those. It draws attention to make you have uncomfortable conversations. And that’s the only way you’re going to have any change in the world, is to have those conversations. There has to be a start.”

WATCH THIS STORY: From Max Scherzer To Gerrit Cole- Highest Paid MLB Stars in 2022

Notably, it was a tough time for all the NFL fraternity, especially for the 49ers star. Since that incident, Kaepernick has not played an NFL game. Meanwhile, Per the latest report, Kaepernick is on his way to making a comeback to the NFL. He has already started his workout for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Which team do you see Colin Kaepernick playing for the next season?