Kate Upton: Dolphins’ national anthem protest a disgrace
Supermodel Kate Upton has weighed in on the debate over national anthem protests in the NFL.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked a national debate over patriotism and protest when he knelt while the national anthem was being played before a preseason game. Kaerpernick’s peaceful protest over the treatment of minorities in the United States brought about an equal amount of outrage and support and became one of the most talked about topics on TV and in social media.
There was great anticipation in regards to how other players might react during the NFL’s celebratory opening weekend. The controversy was heightened in light of the Sunday kickoff happening on the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Four players for the Miami Dolphins, running back Arian Foster, linebacker Jelani Jenkins, receiver Kenny Stills and safety Michael Thomas kneeled during the anthem in solidarity with Kaepernick.
The team knew about their plans and issued the following statement:
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 11, 2016
SI Swimsuit cover model Kate Upton, who is married to MLB star Justin Verlander, felt that the timing of the protests was a disgrace, as she shared in a lengthy post via Instagram:
This explanation came after she reposted an Instagram share from her husband in which he explained why he’s standing. “I choose to stand. Remembering all those who lost their lives 15 years ago on 9/11. Also, the countless who’ve given their lives defending our freedom here at home. #NeverForget #PatriotDay,” he wrote.
Upton followed up with a couple of tweets to clarify her position:
Here’s the full text from Upton’s post:
In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.