SAN DIEGO _ Colin Kaepernick's national-anthem protest resumed Thursday night, when he followed through on his vow and did not stand with his teammates before their exhibition-season finale against the host San Diego Chargers.
However, Kaepernick had company this time as he knelt on the sideline with teammate Eric Reid, who's been supportive of Kaepernick's controversial boycott.
As he did in the 49ers' three earlier exhibitions, Kaepernick's boycotted the anthem to call attention to racial injustice toward what he deemed "oppressed" minorities. His protest didn't become publicly known until after the 49ers' game last Friday against the Green Bay Packers.
The polarizing storyline played out Thursday night amid the Chargers' "Salute to The Military" Night, with the national anthem performed by Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell from the U.S. Navy. Nearly 250 military personnel held a super-sized American flag during the anthem.
Once Powell finished his final verse, Kaepernick stood up and was greeted by hugs from a few teammates, as well as Nate Boyer, a Green Beret and East Bay product who auditioned last year for the 49ers.
Qualcomm Stadium was at least half empty during the pregame ceremony, and the crowd chanted "U-S-A! U-S-A!" at the end of the anthem.
Kaepernick drew loud boos when he came out in his No. 7 uniform for final warm-ups 50 minutes before kickoff, when only a few thousand fans had made their way in from commute traffic.
