Colin Kaepernick caused a media storm by refusing to stand at attention during the national anthem Friday night.
But according to the league, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback didn't violate any rules by sitting out the anthem on the bench while his teammates stood at attention.
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"Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to Sporting News.
Kaepernick explained the reasons for his stance to Steve Wyche of NFL Media after the game.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," he told Wyche. "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."
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The 49ers issued their own statement on Kaepernick: "The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. 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 and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem."
