San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest against the American flag and police officers has struck a chord around the nation, and the union that represents the lead police agency at Levi’s Stadium is just the latest to respond. On Friday, the Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association said its officers could refrain from working the 49ers’ home games if no action is taken against the player.
Union president Frank Saunders says it’s already happening to some extent.
“I’m already hearing it this week that next week on Monday Night Football, some officers are not going to work.”
It’s not clear how many of the 70 officers that typically volunteer to work as paid security personnel at the games are thinking about not showing up on Sept. 12. But Santa Clara Police Chief Michael Sellers had a message for them Saturday:
"The safety of our community is our highest priority," Sellers said. "I will urge the POA leadership to put the safety of our citizens first. I will work with both sides to find a solution. In the meantime, I will ensure we continue to provide a safe environment at Levi's Stadium."
A national debate was ignited after Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” he said at the time, referencing a recent spate of officer-involved shootings that led to the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement. Many cops have said they feel insulted by Kaepernick's actions and statements. Their anger was heightened by the player's recent decision to wear socks featuring pigs in police hats.
Read more about the SCPOA’s reaction and the police chief’s response here.