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Veterans and football fans react to Kaepernick controversy

Local veterans react to Kaepernick controversy
Local veterans react to Kaepernick controversy
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As San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick prepared to square off against the San Diego Chargers in the team's final preseason game on Thursday, veterans at VFW Post 97 weren't exactly rooting for him.

The post, a local division of the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, serves as a gathering spot for veterans of all wars. 

"We're very, very patriotic around here," said the post's bartender.

"Friday and Saturday nights, it's hard to walk up and down the bar because that side is one way and this side is the other," she said, referencing the bar's tendency to disagree on some topics.

But what if they were all asked about Colin Kaepernick's recent trend of not standing for the national anthem? Would everyone be on the same side then?

"Oh absolutely... nobody tolerates that," she said.

"His arrogance is in the road..." said Dennis Sproul, a Vietnam War veteran. "It's disgusting to me, and I think a lot of people down here will agree with me that his actions are out in left field."

Two other veterans that spoke to 23 ABC showed their disdain for the quarterback's actions, actions he says will cease after there is "significant change" in America in regards to racial equality.

Another veteran said that it's Kaepernick's right to choose--but clarified that he didn't agree with him.

Regardless, Kaepernick's protest continued on Thursday night in San Diego during the 49ers final preseason game. It was Military Night, and the crowd booed when Kaepernick took a knee instead of standing.

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