Anyone who is watching Hard Knocks this year (and it seems like fewer than ever are watching the same-old, cookie-cutter training-camp reality series) knows that Rams coach Jeff Fisher has explained to his players the expectations for lining up, helmet under left arm, for the national anthem.
Fisher was asked about 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit for the anthem by reporters on Sunday. And while Fisher, like Bills coach Rex Ryan, was careful to note that Kaepernick was acting within his rights, Fisher also made it clear (like Ryan) that, on his team, things are done a certain way.
“I’m going to let his words speak for himself, it was his choice,” Fisher said of Kaepernick. “And I’m going to let the 49ers’ comments and their release speak for themselves. That’s a 49ers issue -- I know it’s a societal issue, but I don’t feel like it’s my place to comment. I think our respect for the national anthem has been very, very well-documented and we’re going to continue to have respect for the national anthem.”
And then Fisher reminded everyone of the team’s position on the issue, in response to how he would react if a player didn’t stand.
“Again, they have every right to stand up and be heard,” Fisher said. “I would be very, very surprised if I had one of our players do that, particularly because of the respect that we have shown, not only this year, but since our time in St. Louis and my time going way back for the national anthem. I also would think that if a player had an issue – a player on our team – that he probably would come to me to discuss it before he reacted in such a fashion. I’m not being critical of ‘Kap,’ he has every right to do that, but we have an organizational philosophy that has been in place for a long time, with respect to the anthem. I think it’s a special event and it’s something that should be respected and that’s my opinion.”
Plenty of coaches surely feel the same way, which will make it even harder for Kaepernick to find a landing spot if/when the 49ers cut him. At this point, it’s hard to imagine anyone signing him.