Veterans for Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick, the benched San Fransisco 49ers quarterback who refused to stand during the national anthem, has found an unlikely ally in the midst of his controversy: veterans.Using the Twitter hashtag VeteransForKaepernick, some members of the military community are expressing their support for the embattered football player, who originally did not stand for the national anthem during the 49ers preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers last Friday.Kaepernick decided to sit as a protest against what he sees as systemic racism and police brutality against minorities in America, particularly blacks.

Keep doing your thing. Salute. @Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Ut1TMvBG1W

— dylan (@dyllyp) August 31, 2016

Why I'm one of the #veteransforKaepernick Thanks for reaching out @jacobinmag https://t.co/4zWCr3nKpl— Rory Fanning (@RTFanning) September 1, 2016

Because we demand our country protect all its citizens equally. THAT is what I defended! #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/xOqLAO0b1f

— Robert Young (@robertcyoung) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick Because we're actually not all self-centered racists. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/VHnW5Pbxav— Ed Beck (@DEdwardBeck) August 31, 2016

Some Veterans Use the Hashtag VeteransForKaepernick to Disagree With the Message:

#VeteransforKaepernick because I have the RIGHT to disagree with his ignorant statements..

— Slippin' Jimmy (@WiltTheStilt5) August 31, 2016

Look at #VeteransForKaepernick hashtag. Scroll and scroll and it's all just news stories.— Kathleen McKinley (@KatMcKinley) September 1, 2016

"This whole #VeteransForKaepernick deal feels rigged. Twitter is not a reflection of the real world." @WhitlockJason pic.twitter.com/tt7tZ6iXaW

— Speak For Yourself (@SFY) August 31, 2016

Indeed, the hashtag did seem to garner a disproportionate number of news stories about the hashtag. The first result in the hashtag search is a Huffington Post sports article.Sports reporter Jason Whitlock said that "Twitter is not a reflection of the real world...90% of America is on Facebook. 20% is on Twitter...and that 20% that's on Twitter? A lot of it leans way far to the left.""This whole #VeteransForKaepernick thing feels rigged to me."He also questioned Kaepernick's mental state and his ability to play quarterback, citing the national anthem controversy as a reason why the 49ers QB probably won't perform.It's worth noting that former 49ers wide receiver and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice did not necessarily support Colin Kaepernick:

All lives matter. So much going on in this world today.Can we all just get along! Colin,I respect your stance but don't disrespect the Flag.— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) August 30, 2016

Regardless of the controversy, Kaepernick is scheduled to play against the San Diego Chargers on Thursday, in what will surely be another controversial game.