Colin Kaepernick continues to back up his protest against racial inequality in the United States with his own wallet.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who currently has the top-selling jersey in the NFL, announced on Wednesday that he will donate all the money he receives from jersey sales back into the community. It’s the second time this week Kaepernick has thrown money at the causes he is fighting for, having already announced he will donate the first $1 million he makes this season to organizations that work with communities.
Because merchandise sales are included in the NFL’s revenue sharing program, the money Kaepernick earns will be pooled by all 32 teams and divided among the players.
Kaepernick sparked a controversy when he refused to stand for the national anthem prior to a pre-season game on Aug. 26, saying afterwards, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour.” He continued his protest the following game by taking a knee during the anthem alongside teammate Eric Reid, and said that he will keep sitting until there’s significant change.