Alex Boone, a former teammate of controversial San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, issued a rebuttal of Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the American national anthem and how the sacrifices of America’s military servicemen and women have allowed Kaepernick to make a statement like that. The following quotes are from USA Today:

“It’s hard for me, because my brother was a Marine, and he lost a lot of friends over there,” Boone told USA TODAY Sports. “That flag obviously gives (Kaepernick) the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some (expletive) respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom…

“We’re out here playing a game, making millions of dollars. People are losing their life, and you don’t have the common courtesy to do that. That just drove me nuts….

“You see all these pictures of these veterans that have no legs, and they’re standing up in a wheelchair,” Boone said after a small group of reporters gathered at his locker. “I had a brother that served, and he lost friends, and I know how much it means to him. It’s shameful…

Asked how he would’ve handled it had he still been with the 49ers, Boone said: “See, I’m a very emotional person. So, I think if I had known that, my emotions would’ve been rolling — I think we would’ve had a problem on the sideline.

“And I get that he can do whatever he wants. But there’s a time and a place. Show some respect, and that’s just how I feel.”