@Kaepernick7 There's ways to make change w/o disrespecting & bringing shame to the very country & family who afforded you so many blessings. — Heidi Russo (@Heidirn1) August 27, 2016

Colin Kaepernick's birth mother harshly criticized her NFL quarterback son's national anthem protest, saying on Twitter that he disrespected and brought shame to his country and family.

Heidi Russo took some heat from other Twitter users for the comment, some of them criticizing her decision to put Kaepernick up for adoption after he was born, while she was 19. She responded by saying she gave him the life he deserved.

@Erricka88 PLACING my son for adoption is NOT giving up. It's giving him the life he deserved & love beyond comprehension. Congrats 2ur son. — Heidi Russo (@Heidirn1) August 28, 2016

Kaepernick has not responded to his birth mother's tweet.