Kelly backs Kaepernick 'shedding light on a situation that is heinous'

San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly spoke out strongly Thursday in support of his quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice.

The 49ers, including CEO Jed York, have praised Kaepernick and defended his right to protest. Kelly backed his No. 2 passer, saying his actions have brought much-needed awareness to "heinous" issues.

"I think it’s an issue – you look at what's gone on in Tulsa and Charlotte in the last two nights," Kelly said, according to Matt Maicocco of CSNBayArea.com. "It's an issue that’s at the forefront of our country and it needs to be addressed, needs to be taken care of, because what's going on is not right.

"I think he's shedding light on a situation that is heinous. It shouldn't happen in this country. We all have inalienable rights as a citizen of this country that are being violated. That's what I think Colin is standing up for."

Kelly said Kaepernick's stance has not affected his work ethic or distracted from his role.

"When he's here, he's going full-bore," Kelly said. "We're here until 8:15, when we get here in the morning, until 5, when we leave. He's at every meeting. He's done everything.

"There hasn't been any, 'Hey, coach, I need some time because I got this going on.' He hasn't done that. He understands what his job is. He's balanced it really well, and he's managed it really well. He's focused. He's dialed-in when we're at practice. He's dialed-in when we're at meetings."

Kaepernick continues to answer constant questions on his stance, and Kelly has no problem with the quarterback speaking out.

"When he's asked a question, I think he should answer what his feelings are on those questions," Kelly said.

Kaepernick was featured on Time Magazine's latest cover, and his actions have led to him being named the NFL's most disliked player.