Colin Kaepernick’s Anthem Protest Has Not Divided 49ers Locker Room

Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit for the “Star-Spangled Banner” to protest the social injustice in America has been a polarizing issue nationwide.

So, it’s not outlandish to think the issue would be just as divisive inside the San Francisco 49ers’ locker room, but Matt Barrows, 49ers beat writer for the Sacramento Bee, says that’s not the case.

“Players have begun to rally around Kaepernick on this issue,” Barrows told NESN.com’s Michaela Vernava on this week’s “Between the Tackles” podcast. Barrows pointed out specific examples, such as Eric Reid kneeling alongside Kaepernick during the anthem during the team’s final preseason game in San Diego, and vocal support from other teammates, including starting guard Anthony Davis.

“I think it’s something that seems to be growing,” Barrows said. “How big it grows is anyone’s guess. It certainly would be bigger if Kaepernick were the starter. A lot of people predicted that this would split the locker room and that Kaepernick would be isolated, ostracized. That certainly has not happened. In fact, I think it’s going in the opposite direction right now.”