BROOKLYN— While J.J. Watt and Jose Altuve shared the biggest honor at the Sports Illustrated awards, perhaps the biggest surprise was Beyonce’s appearance on behalf of Colin Kaepernick, the former 49ers quarterback who has been unable to land an NFL job since he first knelt on the sidelines during the national anthem last year to protest what he described as racial injustice in the United States.
“It’s been said that racism is so American that when we protest racism, some assume we’re protesting America,” Beyoncé said Tuesday.
“So let’s be very clear. Colin has always been very respectful of the individuals who selflessly serve and protect our country and our communities and our families.