i see these kind of divisive enwhremarks, you're no being the leader we need you to be. the leader we need you to be will deter violence at all costs instead of inflame it. >> when you think it's going to get worse, what do you think it means? >> we're in a position now, where i'm seeing it be, us versus them. we're no longer america. >> it's ludicrous to say that any of this is not about race. that's what the entire aspect of this whole thing has been about, discrimination, racism, and police brutality. >> reporter: the anthem debate began more than a year ago, then 49ers quarterback colin kaepernick sitting on the sidelines during a preseason game as the rest of his team stood. sitting down he said, to take a stand against the growing number of unarmed black men killed by police and racial injustice in general. >> i'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. when there's significant change and i feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent. >>r. >> reporter: he to show some respect, especially in this position that we're in