Legendary NYPD whistleblower Frank Serpico knows about corruption in the police force, and he knows about oppressive regimes. He and some New York City cops also know that what is happening to Colin Kaepernick is shady and unjust on levels
Some of the hate towards Kaepernick is driven by this misleading narrative that his protest is in some way against law enforcement, which is absurd. So, law enforcers past and present turned out Saturday in a show of support for the controversial NFL quarterback whose public stance against racism and police violence has left him unemployed.
The Shadow League on Twitter
These members of law enforcement in Brooklyn explained why they stand with Colin Kaepernick. (via @NY1) https://t.co/pios08G689
Per the Associated Press, the rally consisted of about 75 mostly minority officers with the exception of Serpico. Serpico returned to his native borough to speak his mind and send support to Kaepernick.
I am here to support anyone who has the courage to stand up against injustice and oppression anywhere in this country and the world, said the 81-year-old former detective.
What Colin Kaepernick did is try to bring awareness that this nation unfortunately has ignored for far too long, said NYPD Sgt. Edwin Raymond, who helped organize the Brooklyn event.
And that’s the issue of racism in America and policing in America. We decided to gather here today because of the way he’s being railroaded for speaking the obvious truth.
Kaepernick, 29, is currently unemployed after his kneeling during the national anthem set off a firestorm of emotions and a national discussion.
Supporters of all races, creed and denominations insist that the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback was blackballed over his politics. Dozens of NYPD officers joined Raymond in wearing black shirts with the logo #ImWithKap.
As the rally came to a close, all involved raised their fists and took a simultaneous knee in support of the blackballed quarterback.
Kaepernick remains unsigned, even after saying that he would stand for the anthem this season. Teams are making him pay for having a backbone and caring about the world beyond football. In a world of murderers, racists, pedophiles, abusers of women’s rights and some all-around horrible people, Kaepernick is being taught the true meaning of an American Democracy that doesnt really exist.
The assembled police officers were joined by local politicians and other Kaepernick backers from different human rights organizations. As the NFL season sets to kick off in three weeks, the former 49ers quarterback is still on the sidelines, being punished like a five-year-old child who peed in their pants at school.
The fact that this man is no longer in the NFL has nothing to do with stats on the football field, but for taking a knee and pointing out some of the flaws that have been tormenting people of color in this country for decades, said Darius Gordon of the Justice League NYC.
Speaker Stanley Fritz of Citizen Action of New York agreed that Kaepernicks blackballing is directly related to his politics, which is dangerous.
Colin took a knee because so many black and brown bodies have seen violence put against them with no repercussions, said Fritz.
And because of that, despite his obvious ability to play on the field, he’s being blocked from joining a team.
City Council member Jumaane Williams rocked a red Kaepernick jersey and he tweeted that he eagerly attended the rally after being invited.
Jumaane on Twitter
Proud to have accepted invitation for Law Enforcement’s #imwithkap presser. Thank you @LionHeart817 #NYPD12 #FrankSerpico
More leadership and support for Kaepernick’s stance against racial injustice, oppression and police violence is needed around the country. Not just for Kaepernick’s job situation, but to show that in America you can express your beliefs and not be denied employment because of it. We need more brave law enforcement to stand up for the real cause.
