Free Agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick received a shot in the arm when members of New York’s police force (NYPD) together with retired detective Frank Serpico and Councilman Jumaane Williams came together to show solidarity in Brooklyn.
Kaepernick remains a free agent and no NFL team has shown interest in signing him after he expressed concern about how policing in the United States is conducted against people of color, especially Black people.
Last season, Kaepernick protested unfair policing by not standing for the national anthem – kneeling instead. He said he was “not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”
As a result of his outspoken gesture, the NFL teams seem to be avoiding him prompting the members of the NYPD to show this rare gesture of solidarity.
NYPD Sgt. Edwin Raymond, one of the organizers of the rally said “What Colin Kaepernick did is try to bring awareness that this nation unfortunately has ignored for far too long,”
“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” he said.
The officers consisting of about 75 mostly minority officers wearing black T-shirts with the inscription ‘#IMWITHKAP’ held a press conference to explain their decision to support Colin Kaepernick in Brooklyn.
The 81-year old former detective and famed whistleblower known for exposing police corruption, Frank Serpico said “I am here to support anyone who has the courage to stand up against injustice and oppression anywhere in this country and the world,”
Councilman Jumaane Williams who represents the 45th District in Brooklyn also said:
“We have to tear down and be honest about this discussion. All of the people behind me risked their lives, so to speak, to protect folks, and they are standing with Kaepernick because they understand how important it is to push back on the structure.”