Steelers left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan, was critical of Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit in protest during the national anthem, saying plenty of minority servicemen are dying overseas so the San Francisco 49ers quarterback can have a platform to express his opinion.
“I agree that America is not perfect, I agree there are lot of issues with minorities in this country, I agree we should do something about it,” said Villanueva, who is of Spanish descent. “But I don’t know if the most effective way is to sit down when the national anthem of the country that is providing you freedom and providing you $60 million a year is the best way to do it when there are black minorities that are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan and protecting our freedom for less than $20,000 a year.