SAN FRANCISCO — Controversial 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick reportedly did not appear Sunday morning at a San Francisco church where he had been scheduled to speak about his recent protests of racial injustice.

Kaepernick was invited to the historic Third Baptist Church after prompting a national outcry with his refusal to stand while the national anthem was played before 49ers games. The Rev. Amos Brown, who reportedly arranged the visit in a show of solidarity, told the congregation that the rigors of training kept Kaepernick away on Sunday, according to reports.

Kaepernick’s acts of protest have polarized sports fans, veterans and the general public in the Bay Area and nationwide at a time of building tensions over police shootings of black men. Last week, the Santa Clara police union threatened to stop working 49ers games as a result of Kaepernick’s protests, which included wearing socks that depict officers as pigs.

On Saturday, Chief Michael Sellers called the quarterback’s actions “distasteful” but urged the union to put the safety of citizens first.

A representative from the Third Baptist Church could not be reached Sunday for comment.

Contact Marisa Kendall at 408-920-5009. Follow her at Twitter.com/marisakendall.