CONTROVERSY : Colin Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and social justice activist, has announced his decision to boycott the NFL as lCONTROVERSY : Colin Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and social justice activist, has announced his decision to boycott the NFL as long as Harrison Butker remains a member of any team.ong as Harrison Butker remains a member of any team.

opted to remain seated for the national anthem during an August 2016 preseason game with the San Francisco 49ers — a decision that sparked both a powerful movement and intense backlash. the NFL for what he claimed is collusion to continue to keep him out of the league in the wake of the protest during a Monday appearance on Today.

Stating that Kaepernick, 31, is still in great playing shape, Geragos said of Kaepernick going another season without being signed by a team, “There isn’t anyone who has a couple of neurons firing that wouldn’t say this isn’t collusive activity.”

As the NFL season comes to an end, the movement Kaepernick left in his wake has, once again, taken center stage. Here’s what you need to know about the evolution of the athlete’s push for social change — and why some are against it. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way,” he continued. “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder… I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. If they take football away, my endorsements from me — I know that I stood up for what is right.” “The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony,” the team said. “It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens.”

“In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”

A few days after the initial game where Kaepernick was recognized for sitting,