Obama weighs in on Kaepernick anthem protest

U.S. President Barack Obama says Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the national anthem is the latest in a long line of professional athletes who have exercised their constitutional right to make a statement about social issues.

The president was asked at a news conference Monday in China about Kaepernick's protest gesture. Obama said he has no doubt that the San Francisco 49ers quarterback is sincere and "cares about some real, legitimate issues."

Kaepernick has been heavily criticized since starting his silent protest. He's said it's not an anti-American gesture but a means to bring attention to racial injustice.

Obama said he hasn't paid close attention to the matter. But he added approvingly that Kaepernick has generated more national conversation about "issues that need to be talked about."

Kaepernick has drawn support from some fellow NFL players, including teammate Eric Reid, who along with Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem before a pre-season game against the Chargers last week.

U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem Sunday night before the Seattle Reign's game against the Chicago Red Stars in what she called "a little nod" to Kaepernick.

The 2016 NFL season opens this week, and Kaepernick will serve as the backup to 49ers starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Coach Chip Kelly said Kaepernick's protest was not a factor in the decision to give Gabbert the starting job.