This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.
EntertainmentcelebrityColin KaepernickColin Kaepernick backlash

Kid Rock Unnecessarily Inserts Himself Into Colin Kaepernick Controversy With 3 Words

He doesn't seem to get it.
Carly Ledbetter
GettyReuters
GettyReuters

Kid Rock slammed NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest during a concert over the weekend.

While performing at Fenway Park in Boston, the singer shouted “f**k Colin Kaepernick” as he sang the song “Born Free.” Ironically, because Kaepernick was “born free” in the USA, he’s allowed to protest the national anthem however or whenever he wants.

It seems the irony was lost on Kid Rock and the crowd, who enthusiastically cheered the singer on. You can watch the moment happen about 51 seconds in:

Considering this is coming from a man who’s gotten in trouble for flying the Confederate flag at his concerts, his opinions are pretty much what you’d expect.

While many people have come out in support of Kaepernick, other recent detractors include Kate Upton. On Sunday, the model called out four Miami Dolphins players who refused to stand for the national anthem on Sept. 11, describing their behavior as “unacceptable.”

“Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country,” Upton wrote in a caption for an Instagram photo of the four players kneeling. “Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific.”

In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.

A photo posted by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on

Kaepernick explained why he isn’t standing for the national anthem back in August, and it has little to do with living in “the most special place in the world,” as Upton says.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said to NFL.com’s Steve Wyche. “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.