At least 44 percent of NFL fans said they would actually stop watching the games if the National Anthem protests continue, according to a new Yahoo Sports/YouGov survey.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick staged a silent boycott of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during 49ers games this season, pointedly sitting or kneeling during renditions of the song rather than standing.
The overall result:
- Oppose Kaepernick's protest: 47 percent.
- Support Kaepernick's protest: 32 percent.
- Neutral or declining to offer an opinion: 21 percent.
Respondents under the age of 34:
- Supporting Kaepernick: 39 percent.
- Opposing Kaepernick: 30 percent.
Meanwhile, 65 percent of Americans over the age of 55 oppose the protest.
From a racial perspective, only 24 percent of whites supported the quarterback's protest. A massive 63 percent of black Americans supported his action. Hispanic Americans summed up to 39 percent.
Three out of five Americans were of the view that Kaepernick should have chosen a different method or form for his protest. Kaepernick was widely criticized for disrespecting the military and those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terror attacks as he continued his protest on September 11.
Kaepernick is aware that had he chosen another form, the cause would not have gotten the same attention it has received after the boycott of the national anthem.
The survey further revealed that Americans were split on whether the NFL should permit protests at all. While 42 percent say the NFL should crack down on protests, another 42 percent say the NFL should allow the protest to continue.
The survey, which had 1,128 American respondents, was conducted on Sept. 13 and 14.
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