A leading sports news website says NFL executives are privately saying they "truly hate" Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback under fire for refusing to stand for the National Anthem during a preseason game.
The Bleacher Report said it interviewed seven unidentified team executives, each of whom said they believe Kaepernick will eventually be released by the 49ers and never play NFL football again.
"I don't want him anywhere near my team. He's a traitor," one front office executive told The Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman.
Another team executive was quoted as saying, "He has no respect for our country. [Expletive] that guy."
And a third told Freeman, "In my career, I have never seen a guy so hated by front office guys as Kaepernick."
During a pre-season game with Green Bay Packers last Friday, the 28-year-old athlete remained seated during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Kaepernick explained, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."
While he has been widely condemned on social media, the 49ers organization said it backed Kaepernick's right to protest. While the NFL strongly encourages its players to stand during The Star-Spangled Banner, it does not require them to.
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