Colin Kaepernick explains why he won't stand during national anthem

SAN FRANCISCO (FOX SPORTS) - Colin Kaepernick drew plenty of criticism for his performance in Friday night’s preseason loss to the Packers, but he might get even more for his decision-making prior to the game.

Kaepernick chose to sit during the national anthem -- a decision he says was made in order to take a stand for civil rights and draw attention to racial issues in America.

Kaepernick, who is biracial, spoke with NFL.com on Saturday morning to explain his stance:

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. 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. ...

"This is not something that I am going to run by anybody. I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. ... If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right."

Read more at FOX Sports.