Kaepernick To Donate Jersey Sales To Charity
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF & AP) -- Colin Kaepernick announced on social media Wednesday that he will donate all the money he receives from his jersey sales to charity to thank fans for their support during his national anthem protest.
Kaepernick announced the move on his Instagram account saying he was pleased that his San Francisco 49ers jersey has become the top seller in the NFL since his protest became public. Kaepernick is refusing to stand during the anthem in protest of police brutality and oppression of minorities in America.
He writes that the increase in his jersey sales "shows the people's belief that we can achieve justice and equality for ALL!"
Kaepernick's red Niners jersey was the No. 1-selling jersey at NFL Shop as of Tuesday afternoon and his white jersey ranked 12th in sales.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz's jersey was the second best seller and Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott ranked third.
The popularity was Kaepernick's jersey has not been impacted by losing his position as the 49ers starting quarterback to Blaine Gabbert.
After last week's San Francisco-San Diego Chargers pre-season game, Kaepernick announced he would be donating $1 million from his 2016 salary to charities who help troubled communities.
Kaepernick has ignited a national debate over his refusal to stand for the anthem.
He was joined on the sidelines Thursday night by his teammate Eric Reid and Seattle's Jeremy Lane, who sat during the anthem at the Seahawks-Oakland Raiders game.
"I've been very blessed to be in this position and to be able to make the kind of money I do," Kaepernick said. "And I have to help these people. I have to help these communities. It's not right that they're not put in a position to succeed or given those opportunities to succeed."
The veteran 49ers quarterback has a guaranteed $11.9 million salary this season.
ALSO READ:
