Altidore on Kaepernick: 'He's trying to send a specific message'
In the wake of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to protest during the playing of the national anthem, U.S. men's national soccer team star Jozy Altidore says the focus should be on the message, rather than squabbling over details.
As Altidore and the U.S. prepare for a pair of World Cup qualifying matches, the Toronto FC man weighed in on Kaepernick's choice to sit down in protest during the national anthem - and his subsequent fashion choices - as a response to 'rogue cops' operating in the country.
"I think with Kaepernick it's kind of interesting to see how people instead of looking at there's a reason why he did it, they look at other things around it that don't play a part," Altidore told Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl.
"I think he's trying to send a specific message, and people are trying to make it seem as if he doesn't respect the country and he's disrespecting veterans and stuff like that."
"I don't think that's where he's going with it. I think he's talking about something that is a hot topic right now in our country and something that has been going on for quite some time, and something that needs to be figured out. So in a way I understand where he's coming from."
Related - Eric Reid kneels with Kaepernick: 'It's bigger than football'
Altidore's opinion on the matter weighs a little heavier, as he too is a rarity among the U.S. soccer camp. The Haitian-American born in New Jersey does not sing the national anthem like his teammates often do, nor does he place his hand over his heart, instead standing in silence with his arms behind his back.
It's a decision that has drawn some criticism in the past, but one he says does not come from ill intent.
"A lot of people have asked me (about) that over the years," Altidore said. "I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness in my household, and … to this day we're still big believers of the way we were brought up in that form of Christianity. So that’s the reason for that.
"I hope people can respect that and understand it. But by no means does it mean I don't respect the country or am not proud to be part of this national team and proud to represent the United States."