"In the end, one of the ideals the flag and the anthem represent is the freedom that has allowed Colin Kaepernick to be so disrespectful."
I liked the article right up until the very last sentence. This is the writers personal opinion. The article showcased why someone might not stand and about the backlash the author experienced. We can agree or disagree about standing or sitting during the pledge, people have different reasons. (For example, Jehovah Winessess don't stand or say the pledge either.) I can't help but think that Kaepernick feels like blacks and minorities don't matter to LEO, and now his same country is turning their backs on him overnight and hating him because he sits during the pledge. What message does that say? You only mattered as long as you are a pro athlete and you stand for the pledge? That black people are only good enough if they pledge AND play ball? Would we do this if a white athelete did the same? Does he feel more less loyalty to his country now?