Lynch calls anthem protests 'divisive'

John Lynch may not agree with NFL players protesting the national anthem, but he wants to make it clear that his organization will always be respectful of players' rights.

The San Francisco 49ers general manager spoke to reporters Wednesday following a joint practice with the Denver Broncos and addressed the topic of national anthem protests and how he would feel if one of his players made the decision to protest this season, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post.

"I've got my own feelings about it and I think my strongest feeling - we had a great deal the other day where we had four chairs up there and there was Steve Young and Jerry Rice and they talked about 'The 49er Way' and I always thought it's one of the great things about this league ...You strive for a common goal and you have unity. I think this game brings people together.

"I think partially when I see that I think that's divisive, and I understand guys see things and they're not happy. And they have that right and I think we'll always respect people's rights. That doesn't mean I believe that. I believe this game should be celebrated for what it is. I think it's a tremendous unifier for our country and for the way things should be."

Lynch additionally expressed the idea that anthem protests have the potential to overshadow team bonding involving individuals from different upbringings and other positive relationship building.

"Bill Walsh used to speak about it, you take guys from all over the country, different socioeconomic backgrounds, different racial backgrounds and you have friends for life. Warren Sapp's here today working with our defensive line because he's a buddy of mine and always will be. Those type of stories get lost in something like this, but they've got their reasons and we'll always be respectful of those."

In the aftermath of his season-long protest, the 49ers showed no indication of retaining quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who officially opted out of his contract on Mar. 3.