Cops for Kap
B’klyn rally backs QB’s right to protest racism
BECAUSE Colin Kaepernick took a knee, these cops have his back.
Law enforcers past and present turned out Saturday in a show of support for the controversial NFL quarterback — whose public stance against racism and police violence preceded his current unemployment.
“What Colin Kaepernick did is try to bring awareness that this nation unfortunately has ignored for far too long,” said NYPD Sgt. Edwin Raymond, who helped organize the event at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
“And that’s the issue of racism in America and policing in America. We decided to gather here today because of the way he’s being railroaded for speaking the obvious truth.”
Kaepernick, 29, finds himself without an NFL job so far this year after he began kneeling during the national anthem before games last season.
Supporters insist the veteran QB was blackballed over his politics.
Dozens of NYPD officers joined Raymond in wearing black shirts with the logo “#ImWithKap.” City Councilman Jumaane Williams opted for a red Kaepernick jersey.
Near the end of the rally, all involved raised their fists and took a synchronized knee in support of the one-time San Francisco starter.
Kaepernick remains unsigned after opting out of his contract with the 49ers, even after announcing he would stand for the anthem this year.
Current NFL players — both black and white — showed their backing of the polarizing player during exhibition games this year.
Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, who is black, raised his fist during “The StarSpangled Banner” last week as white teammate Chris Long stood with an arm wrapped around him.
The assembled police officers were joined by other Kaepernick backers just three weeks before the kickoff of the NFL season. “The fact that this man is no longer in the NFL has nothing to do
with stats on the football field, but for taking a knee and pointing out some of the flaws that have been tormenting people of color in this country for decades,” said Darius Gordon of the Justice League NYC.
Stanley Fritz of Citizen Action of New York echoed the suggestion that Kaepernick was barred over his politics.
“Colin took a knee because so many black and brown bodies have seen violence put against them with no repercussions,” Fritz said.
Legendary NYPD whistleblower Frank Serpico returned to his native borough to add his voice in backing Kaepernick.
“I am here to support anyone who has the courage to stand up against injustice and oppression anywhere in this country and the world,” said the 81-year-old former detective.
What Colin Kaepernick did is try to bring awareness that this nation unfortunately has ignored for far too long. — NYPD SGT. EDWIN RAYMOND