Buffalo Vendors Sell T-Shirts Threatening Kaepernick with Death

by Josh Guckert

On Sunday, controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick made his first start for the San Francisco 49ers against the Buffalo Bills. As reported by Sports Illustrated‘s Robert Klemko, some unique T-shirts were for sale outside the stadium before the game:

Shirts with a rifle scope trained on Colin Kaepernick selling for $10 outside of Ralph Wilson stadium. pic.twitter.com/bSuxF3G5qq

— Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) October 16, 2016

One of the shirts reported on by Klemko instruct Kaepernick to “shut up and stand up,” while another features the quarterback on a “wanted”-style poster, calling him a “notorious disgrace to America.” Most notable is that on the second shirt, a rifle scope crosshair is aimed at Kaepernick’s chest.

The 49ers player has received extensive scrutiny, particularly from conservatives, for his choice to protest the Star Spangled Banner. While some have suggested that he is doing so as an affront to the military or police, he insists that no disrespect is intended and that he is making such a display to bring attention to the racial injustices across the country.

Though critics suggest that he has “nothing to complain about” because he is a highly-paid professional athlete, his demonstration is to spotlight those who have not had the same luck he has had. The toxic language used against him is problematic to say the least, and indicates that many would rather act on vitriol than assess the situation as he sees it, in an attempt to enjoy more empathy for his position.