Supreme Court Justice says Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest is ‘dumb and disrespectful’

It seems everyone has an opinion about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision not to stand during the playing of the national anthem.

That includes Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

As The Star’s Vahe Gregorian wrote so eloquently, Kaepernick is protesting the “racial oppression and the rogue police who blemish the work of so many virtuous ones.”

Ginsburg was interviewed by Katie Couric, who is now a Global Anchor for Yahoo News, and was asked about the Kaepernick protest that has led to more athletes following suit.

Ginsburg, 83, did not hold back her opinion.

“What do I think? I think it’s really dumb of them,” Ginsburg said. “Would I arrest them for doing it? No. I think it’s dumb and disrespectful. I would have the same answer if you asked me about flag burning. I think it’s a terrible thing to do, but I wouldn’t lock a person up for doing it.

“I would point out how ridiculous it seems to me to do such an act. But I think it’s dangerous to arrest people for conduct that is not, doesn’t jeopardize the health or well-being of other people. It’s a symbol they’re engaged in.

Couric asked if Ginsburg if the players were acting within their rights as U.S. citizens to protest.

“If they want to be stupid, there is no law that should be preventive,” Ginsburg said. “If they want to be arrogant, there is no law that prevents them from that. What I would do is strongly take issue with the point of view that they are expressing when they do that.”

You can watch the interview here.

This story was originally published October 10, 2016 at 11:20 AM with the headline "Supreme Court Justice says Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest is ‘dumb and disrespectful’."