Usually back-up quarterbacks get very little attention, but that is very different in the case of Colin Kaepernick. He has led the National Football League in jersey sales and currently sits in the top 25. He has done so on only one knee.

Kaepernick started the season as a back-up QB for the San Francisco 49ers; he recently started before being benched this past Sunday.  Kaepernick’s decision early this season to not stand during the National Anthem — in protest of social injustice and racial inequality — has caused everything from death threats to praise.

The NFL ratings have dropped more than 12 percent since last year. Kaepernick’s protests may be responsible for some of the drop. Some people have been furious with his actions as his protest spread throughout the league and beyond.  The ratings drop may also be tied to political coverage during the presidential race and the lack of good games.

I spoke with some at Trinity about Kaepernick’s protest. Athletics trainer Bill Cubbage said, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”

Trinity teacher Mr. Tom Dubay said Kaepernick “is breaking the social norm of standing during the anthem and people are overreacting. The first part of change is acknowledging what needs to be changed. Sports is a huge business. When big athletes speak out, people hear.”

While Kaepernick has the right to protest during the National Anthem, that does not mean I support him. He is disrespecting the millions who fought and continue to fight so we can hang the flag and sing the anthem. There is need for social change, but this is not the right way to do it. There are many other ways to get the point across and make a difference.