That's correct.
Kaepernick's original sitting for the anthem, both the timing and rationale, kills some of the narratives about his protest.
"He started a conversation about police brutality."
No, he originally sat for the anthem in August 2016. The Ferguson riots and Baltimore riots over alleged police brutality were in 2015. The national conversation over police brutality had consumed America for well over a year before Kaepernick allegedly started a conversation about the topic.
"He sacrificed everything."
Then why did he wait until he was benched to protest an issue that was being nationally discussed for over a year when he was a starter? Presumably he didn't want to sacrifice his starting position, but was more willing to take a position that may cause a distraction for the team when he was benched.
He was also allegedly offered a back-up role in Seattle after his protest so he could have still been in the league if he so chose.
Now he's making millions from Nike and is invited to red carpet events primarily because he's viewed as a martyr figure.
So what exactly did he sacrifice?
"
Kaepernick's protest has nothing to do with the flag."
This was the first sentence out of Kaepernick's mouth when asked about sitting for the anthem in August 2016: "“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color."
So, yeah, Kap did intend to disrespect a flag that represents a country he believes disrespects black people. If it wasn't about the flag or anthem that symbolize America then why do the protest during the anthem where people support the flag?
I understand Kap's position and commend him for taking action even if I disagree with the manner in which he has gone about it, I just hate the false narratives that we're told we have to accept as truth.