Khalilah Ali: Muhammad Ali’s Ex-Wife Slams Colin Kaepernick For National Anthem Protest
Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife, Khalilah Camacho-Ali, is among the many Americans who disapprove of Colin Kaepernick’s protest of the national anthem. She’s made it clear she’s just not feeling the movement.
Apparently, Khalilah – who was married to the legendary boxer from 1967 to 1976 – believes the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback isn’t making an effective impact. In fact, she feels his disrespect of the national anthem is unwarranted, and he should apologize.
“What he’s doing right now is not heroic,” Khalilah told TMZ. “I would love to meet with him or talk to him on the phone to help share his message in a better way.”
According to B. Scott, Khalilah actually wants to talk with Kaepernick to offer guidance so he can come up with a more effective way to get his message across. She claims to have helped her ex-husband organize his biggest protest when he refused the army induction for the Vietnam War.
“I helped Muhammad decide whether he was going to the army or going to jail. He listened to my every word. You see the impact that had on our nation? Colin could absolutely have the same impact if he made the right decisions to really make a difference.”
Black Americans support Colin Kaepernick. White people? Not so much. https://t.co/kX9iwuL7wN pic.twitter.com/P1fvE8pvLM
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) September 6, 2016
In a nutshell, she believes Colin Kaepernick needs to get off his high horse and humble himself despite having freedom of expression. She insists they could make a stronger impact together. “If he is willing to get off his high horse and humble himself, we could do a lot of good together.”
Although Khalilah’s not on board with Kaepernick’s movement, there are many others who are. As the football season kicked off, Colin was joined by other NFL players who took the same stance against the national anthem. However, NFL players aren’t his only supporters.
According to the Yahoo News, Colin Kaepernick’s jersey sales have skyrocketed. It has been reported that his No. 7 jersey, currently on sale for $99.99 each, previously ranked No. 2 on the 49ers list of best-selling jerseys. Now, the jersey is ranked No. 1. However, the famed quarterback won’t be pocketing the proceeds. He’s revealed he’ll be donating the earnings to organizations that support his cause.
“I want to thank everyone who has shown me love and support, it truly means a lot!,” Kaepernick wrote via Instagram. “I wasn’t expecting my jersey sales to jump to number one because of this, but it shows the people’s belief that we can achieve justice and equality for ALL! The only way I can repay you for the support is to return the favor by donating all the proceeds I receive from my jersey sales back into the communities! I believe in the people, and WE can be the change!”
Colin Kaepernick's jersey sales skyrocket to number one since he started his protesthttps://t.co/aekcrXJ82a
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) September 6, 2016
The latest news about Khalilah Ali’s perspective of Colin Kaepernick’s protest follows the media firestorm he created when he refused to stand for the national anthem before the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on August 26. He’s been widely criticized for his views, nd some fans have even burned his jersey for the seemingly offensive gesture. However, Kaepernick has defended his decision to protest the national anthem. He’s also explained why he chose to do so.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media after the game. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
Shortly after the controversial gesture made headlines, the NFL also released a statement addressing the situation. Due to freedom of expression, Colin could not be penalized for his actions.
[Photo by Harry How/Getty Images]
