Broncos coach Gary Kubiak turned personal Monday when asked about the swirling controversy around San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his decision to sit during the national anthem.

“My dad taught me two things that I believe in strongly,” Kubiak said. “He told me to believe in my values and those types of things in life and obviously I believe in our country and the national anthem very strongly. But at the same time, he taught me to respect other people’s beliefs and values, so I do that.”

Kubiak said that he would like Broncos players to stand for the national anthem, but he doesn’t mandate it.

“Our guys do a great job. But I don’t babysit guys,” Kubiak said. “I let them handle themselves. We tell our guys: ‘Be yourself. Be your best self.’ ”

Kaepernick on Monday explained his decision to sit during the pregame playing of the national anthem, saying he will not let up in his protest.

“To be honest, it’s not something I’m going to be quiet about,” Kaepernick told reporters. “I’m going to speak the truth when I’m asked about it. This isn’t for look. This isn’t for publicity or anything like that. This is for people that don’t have the voice.”

Kaepernick cited, among other issues, police brutality in several cities that led to the killing of black men.

“It’s to bring awareness and make people realize what’s going on in this country,” he said. “There are a lot of things going on that are unjust. And that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that this country stands for, freedom, liberty and justice for all.” Related Articles September 21, 2020 NFL fines 3 coaches — including Broncos’ Vic Fangio — and clubs for unmasked coaches, AP source says

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Looking ahead. The Broncos, despite having one more game on their preseason schedule, on Monday began preparing for their season opener Sept. 8 against the Carolina Panthers.

“We have our younger guys playing this week against Arizona,” quarterback Trevor Siemian said. “And we have a big one against Carolina. That’s what our focus is going forward.”

The Broncos on Monday practiced in the rain at Dove Valley until lightning forced them inside their fieldhouse.

Wide receiver Cody Latimer, who injured his left knee Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams, underwent an magnetic resonance imaging exam, then returned to the field in limited participation. Fullback Andy Janovich (shoulder) also performed light work. And tight end Jeff Heuerman (hamstring) and offensive lineman Darrion Weems (concussion) also returned to practice.

Footnotes. The Oakland Raiders, in their first round of roster cuts, released wide receiver Max McCaffrey. The former Duke and Valor Christian High School standout is the oldest son of former Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey and older brother of Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey.