I don’t want to re-litigate this, but this was the myth that the right wingers created as deflection from what he was doing. Red meat for the already angry.
The idea for his protest originated with a veteran Green Beret (and teammate) named Nate Boyer. It is a fact that Kaep’s protest did nothing to disrespect the flag, nor those who died in service of our country. The time he chose to protest was pre-game, during the anthem, as that was when all eyes were on him (and those who joined him) and didn’t distract from the game on the field. Protesting when No one is watching doesn’t do much to raise awareness.
Whether people do or do not support Kaep’s cause, the reality is the protest was the inspiration of a United States military veteran. I’m glad to learn that your opinion of him has evolved - I only hope more people come to understand why it’s important.
https://www.npr.org/2018/09/09/646115651/the-veteran-and-nfl-player-who-advised-kaepernick-to-take-a-knee
but again, this is more for the politics forum.