Kaepernick wore pig socks as protest against 'rogue cops'

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick issued a statement Thursday regarding photos that emerged of him wearing socks depicting police officers as pigs.

The statement was posted on his Instagram account hours before the 49ers take the field in a preseason game in San Diego.

I wore those socks, in the past, because the rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions in police departments, not only put the community in danger, but also put the cops that have the right intentions in danger by creating an environment of tension and mistrust. I have two uncles and friends who are police officers and work to protect and serve ALL people. So before these socks, which were worn before I took my public stance, are used to distract from the real issues, I wanted to address this immediately.

This latest development comes on the heels of Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the national anthem as a statement against "a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

Kaepernick has also previously stated that he will continue to sit during "The Star-Spangled Banner."