49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick ignites firestorm after national anthem protest

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has ignited a firestorm after refusing to stand for the national anthem during a preseason game Friday out of protest against America’s treatment of “black people and people of color.”

According to ABC News, Kaepernick told the NFL that the decision to take a stand was his own, saying it was his duty to stand with “people that are oppressed.”

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Kaepernick, uses Twitter and other forms of social media very frequently. He’s been known to have a social presence online when it comes to the subject of police brutality.

“I am not looking for approval,” he added. “I have to stand up for people that are oppressed.”

Kaepernick, is a five-year veteran and broke into the NFL in 2012, a year he led the 49ers to the Super Bowl.

The 49ers have since issued a statement before Kaepernick’s comments to NFL media were published, saying: “The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. 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 and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”

The NFL released a statement on Kaepernick’s decision not to stand, saying: “Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem.”

ABC News has reached out to Kaepernick for comment.