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On Friday, Colin Kaepernick's parents expressed public support for their son's decision to protest during the national anthem.

According to Martenzie Johnson of The Undefeated, Teresa and Rick Kaepernick wrote the following regarding the controversial San Francisco 49ers quarterback:

Colin is carrying a heavy load and following a difficult path that he truly believes in. He is putting his entire future and possibly his life on the line for those beliefs. As his parents, it pains us to read articles and tweets saying that his family does not support him; this could not be further from the truth. We want people to know that we are very proud of our son and admire his strength and courage in kneeling for the rights of others.

The Kaepernicks also addressed Adm. Harry B. Harris, who indirectly criticized their son by saying those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor "never took a knee and never failed to stand whenever they heard our national anthem being played":

Colin has chosen to kneel for the national anthem as a protest to the continuing racial inequality in this country. He has explained his reasons for this in multiple interviews, yet it seems some people still do not understand his point. For whatever reason, there are some who want to view this as an anti-military protest or an un-American stance. These views could not be further from the truth, but we know that people will believe what they wish to believe. The recent remarks (attacks) by Admiral Harris supported by the Pentagon are over the top, and we feel the desire to make a public statement in support of our son.

As Johnson noted, "Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, who are white, adopted Colin when he was only five weeks old."

The Kaepernicks had never previously taken a public stance regarding their son's demonstrations, but there was speculation they opposed it after Josh Peter of USA Today reported in early September that they flew an American flag outside their home.

Kaepernick began his protests during the preseason by sitting during "The Star-Spangled Banner," and he has since taken to kneeling. Several other NFL players have joined him.

The 29-year-old signal-caller said in August he was "not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," per NFL Media's Steve Wyche.

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