Mike Ditka Comments on Colin Kaepernick's National Anthem Protest

Outspoken Hall of Famer Mike Ditka became the latest high-profile name to weigh in on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest Friday when he ripped the signal-caller's actions.

In an interview on Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas (h/t CBS DFW), the ESPN analyst said of Kaepernick's actions:

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I think it's a problem...anybody who disrespects this country and the flag. If they don't like the country they don't like our flag...get the hell out.

I have no respect for Colin Kaepernick — he probably has no respect for me, that's his choice. My choice is, I like this country, I respect our flag, and I don't see all the atrocities going on in this country that people say are going on.

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Additionally, Ditka painted an optimistic picture regarding the United States during his radio appearance: "I see opportunities if people want to look for opportunity. Now if they don't want to look for them, then you can find problems with anything, but this is the land of opportunity because you can be anything you want to be if you work. If you don't work...that's a different problem."

Kaepernick's protest became a national topic of conversation when he sat while the anthem was played before an Aug. 26 preseason game. He has since switched to kneeling.

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

Many players across the league have joined Kaepernick in either kneeling or raising their fists during the anthem, including Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster and Houston Texans offensive lineman Duane Brown.

Shortly after the Aug. 26 preseason game, Kaepernick told NFL Media's Steve Wyche that decision was in direct response to general oppression against "black people and people of color."

Kaepernick later made it clear that he intends to stop his protest when he sees progress being made on that front:

There is little doubt Kaepernick has raised awareness on a topic of great importance to him. While there has been a strong positive response among many involved with the NFL, Ditka's comments are a reminder that there is still plenty of opposition.

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