Colin Kaepernick on his pro-Castro comments: I’m not ‘a supporter of the oppressive things that he did’
San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick speaks at a news conference Sunday following the 49ers’ loss to the Miami Dolphins.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick told reporters Sunday he is not a supporter of Fidel Castro but is in favor of some of his accomplishments in areas such as education and healthcare that took place during the late Cuban leader’s rule.
Kaepernick drew criticism last week when he praised Cuba’s education system while trying to explain why he wore a shirt depicting Malcolm X meeting with Castro after a game earlier this season. His comments were made during a teleconference with reporters in Miami on Wednesday, two days before Castro’s death.
After the 49ers’ 31-24 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, Kaepernick said those words were taken out of context.
“What I said was I agree with the investment in education,” Kaepernick said after the 49ers’ 31-24 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
“I also agree with the investment in free universal health care, as well as the involvement with him in helping end apartheid in South Africa. I would hope that everyone believes those things are good things. Trying to push the false narrative that I was a supporter of the oppressive things that he did is just not true.”
Earlier in the day, Kaepernick was booed by fans in Miami, where Castro is largely unpopular.
Kaepernick has made headlines this season for his decision not to stand during the national anthem as a protest against social injustice.
Twitter: @chewkiii
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