Brandon Jennings made the most of his first game with the Detro

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is refusing to stand for the national anthem before games because he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities.Kaepernick sat on the teams bench Friday night during the anthem before the Niners played host to the Green Bay Packers in an exhibition game. He later explained his reasoning in an interview with NFL Media .I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color, Kaepernick said. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Saturday that players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the national anthem.The 49ers issued a statement after Pro Football Talk initially reported on Kaepernicks stand, saying that Americans have the right to protest or support the anthem.The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony, the team said. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.Coach Chip Kelly said Saturday that he had not talked with Kaepernick about his actions or comments but said that Kaepernick also did not stand for the national anthem before last weeks game in Denver when he was injured and did not play.We recognize his right to do that, Kelly said. Its not my right to tell him not to do something. Thats his right as a citizen.Kaepernick, who is biracial, was adopted and raised by white parents. He has been outspoken on his Twitter account on civil rights issues and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.Kaepernick is not the first U.S.-based athlete to use the anthem for protest. In 1996, NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the anthem, saying the United States had a history of tyranny and doing so would conflict with his Islamist beliefs. The NBA initially suspended Abdul-Rauf for his stance before it was lifted when he said he would stand and pray silently during the song.Kaepernick said he is not worried about any potential fallout from his protest.This is not something that I am going to run by anybody, he told NFL Media. I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. ... If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.Kaepernicks agent did not immediately return a request for comment.Kaepernick is in competition to win back the starting quarterback job in San Francisco that he lost to Blaine Gabbert last season. He made his first appearance of the preseason on Friday night after missing two games with a tired shoulder. He finished 2 for 6 for 14 yards and added 18 yards on four runs.Kelly said Kaepernick is still in the running to win the starting job and his protest wont impact the decision.---Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Vapormax 3 Clearance . -- Arizona raced out to a big lead and did not back off, hitting the accelerator instead. Cheap Vapormax 2019 . 10 VCU 85-67 on Thursday night at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The Seminoles (4-0) have scored at least 80 points in each of their games. http://www.clearancevapormax.com/nike-air-vapormax-plus-black-gold-clearance.html . Inter president Erick Thohir says in a club statement on Wednesday that Vidic is "one of the worlds best defenders and his qualities, international pedigree, and charisma will be an asset. Cheap Vapormax 2019 China . -- Derrick Rose shook off poor shooting early to hit clutch shots late and Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-95 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Fake Vapormax 2020 . -- Brandon Jennings made the most of his first game with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. Lightweight world titleholder Terry Flanagans third defense, against South Africas Mzonke Fana, has been rescheduled for July 16 at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff, Wales, promoter Frank Warren announced Thursday.Flanagan and Fana were scheduled to fight July 9 at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, in the co-feature of the rematch between heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former champion Wladimir Klitschko. But when Fury suffered a sprained ankle last week, the fight was postponed and the rest of the card called off.Flanagan, who is from Manchester, will move out of his hometown for the bout. The fight will take place on a card that includes Miami-based Cuban defector Guillermo Rigondeaux defending his junior featherweight world title against Englands James Jazza DDickens, and Wales Liam Williams defending his British and Commonwealth titles against Englands Gary Corcoran.ddddddddddddThe 26-year-old Flanagan (30-0, 12 KOs) claimed a vacant 135-pound world title in July 2015 by second-round stoppage of Jose Zepeda, who could not continue after dislocating his left shoulder, and has defended it by impressive second-round knockout of American Diego Magdaleno in October and unanimous decision against countryman Derry Mathews on March 12.?Fana (38-9, 16 KOs) is a former two-time junior lightweight world titleholder but well past his best days. He is 42 years old and just 7-5 in his last 12 fights since 2012. ' ' '