Megan Rapinoe Takes A Page Out Of Colin Kaepernick’s Book, Kneels During National Anthem

Megan Rapinoe, Midfielder for the Seattle Reign FC soccer team, looks to be following in a certain quarterback’s footsteps.

The roar of controversy continues to spread at Colin Kaepernick’s actions. An ace quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick chose to sit during the National Anthem before the start of the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Tension has been high since the incident, and many have spoken out in support and against Kaepernick.

Megan Rapinoe vows to keep the conversation going by kneeling for the national anthem as a nod to Colin Kaepernick. pic.twitter.com/DcqkVS5d4V

— ESPN (@espn) September 5, 2016

Megan Rapinoe showed her support by doing almost the same as Colin. In a report by Screamer, it’s said that Megan Rapinoe chose to kneel during the National Anthem before an NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) game between the Seattle Reign and the Red Stars. At first glance, it didn’t appear that Rapinoe’s actions were particularly symbolic. However, she confirmed that it was the same type of action that Colin Kaepernick took part in before his preseason game.

“It was a little nod to Kaepernick and everything that he’s standing for right now,” Rapinoe began. “I think it’s actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isn’t.”

Rapinoe is referring to how media has seemingly come down on Kaepernick. There has been much backlash in the wake of Colin’s choice to sit. He has received death threats, been called names, and many have protested that he should be removed from the National Football League. There are even some who want him to leave the country.

“I think it’s personally not a good thing, I think it’s a terrible thing. And, you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try, it won’t happen,” Donald Trump stated.

This is why @mPinoe's kneel during the national anthem may be just as important as @Kaepernick7's.https://t.co/0MzXqnOiRf

— Andscape (@andscape) September 7, 2016

Reaction videos have poured in since the incident. Some would say that the reaction to Kaepernick is the very reason why he chooses to protest.

Megan Rapinoe’s stance on Colin Kaepernick’s choice to peacefully protest hits close to home for her. She continued to discuss the matter at length, specifically her sexual orientation and how she feels that her liberties aren’t being protected.

“Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it.”

It would seem that Megan Rapinoe’s views of Kaepernick’s treatment could be argued as valid valid. The Washington Post reports that there are law enforcement who have threatened to discontinue services for the 49ers team and establishment. Though Kaepernick has stated that his actions have nothing to do with law enforcement or military, some believe that his agenda is quite clear. With both sides of the fence stacked on the matter, Rapinoe’s voice will certainly create more dialogue as time goes on.

“It’s important to have white people stand in support of people of color on this. We don’t need to be the leading voice, of course, but standing in support of them is something that’s really powerful.”

Could the Seattle Reign team suffer the same criticism as the San Francisco 49ers? It may be too early to tell. Still, one can only wonder if others are going to stand in support or disagreement with Rapinoe’s choice to kneel for the National Anthem proceedings.

How do you feel about Megan Rapinoe’s actions? Do you believe that she’s justified in kneeling during the National Anthem? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Photo By Harrow How/Getty Images]