NEW YORK — John Isner is not a fan of Colin Kaepernick.
The 6-foot-10 American tennis star was asked his thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback sitting during the National Anthem, and his response was quick and harsh.
“Yeah, I thought that was pathetic from him,” Isner, who played college tennis at the University of Georgia and is ranked No. 21 in the world, said after his five-set victory over fellow American Frances Tiafoe at the US Open. “The cause he was going for, fine by me, but don’t do it in that fashion. He could have found some other ways to present his voice there. A lot of NBA players have done it, and good on ’em.
“For him doing it in that way really irked me. I’m a big Blaine Gabbert fan now.”
Kaepernick’s actions have sparked a national debate with some heavily criticizing him and others supporting his right to express himself as he chooses.
Meantime, Isner’s comments already sparked backlash on Twitter.
Once again a guy that benefits from every privilege that this country offers has everything to say…smh https://t.co/UlVR8pZ8tY
– Timothy Strickland (@bBettaStrick) August 29, 2016
@AdamZagoria Has to be hard for a privileged white tennis player to understand how hard it is to be a black male in this country
– Scott Christler (@KBshowfan18) August 30, 2016
But why? He didn’t break the law. He protested perceived injustices committed by those in power in this country. https://t.co/prb5dsTmAB
– Rob (@RMK613) August 30, 2016
Isner did seem to get some support, though.
@AdamZagoria @JohnIsner Good for you John Isner!
– Norm Munkholm (@Ndmunkholm) August 30, 2016
