SAN JOSE, California (AP) — The police chief in Santa Clara, home to Levi’s Stadium, says he will urge the leadership of the officers’ union to put citizens’ safety first after its members said they may boycott policing 49ers games if quarterback Colin Kaepernick is not disciplined.
Santa Clara Police Chief Michael Sellers said in a statement Saturday that he will work with the officers association and the 49ers to find a solution.
Sellers says that while he and many in the law enforcement community have been saddened and angered by Kaepernick’s words and actions, he will ensure the police department continues to provide a safe environment at Levi’s Stadium.
Kaepernick has refused to stand up during the playing of the national anthem before recent games as a way of protesting police killings of unarmed black men.
In a letter from the Santa Clara Police Officers Association sent to the 49ers the union says Kaepernick has “threatened our harmonious working relationship” with the 49ers because of his statement about law enforcement.
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