Kaepernick offers explanation for why he didn't vote

Many were surprised to learn Colin Kaepernick didn't vote on Election Day.

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback made a rather large political statement when he began kneeling for the playing of the national anthem, so it was viewed by some as hypocritical he wouldn't exercise his democratic right and vote for a presidential candidate.

Kaepernick provided an explanation Wednesday while on a conference call with reporters ahead of Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

"I really didn't pay too close of attention because I've been very disconnected from the systematic oppression as a whole," Kaepernick said, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. "So, for me, it's another face that's going to be the face of that system of oppression. And, to me, it didn't really matter who went in there. The system remains intact that oppresses people of color."

Kaepernick has previously stated publicly that both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have made racist statements. The oppression of people of color in America has led to Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the anthem.