Welcome to RantCrush Top 5, where we take you through today’s top five controversial stories in the world of law and policy. Who’s ranting and raving right now? Check it out below:

Congressman Lee Zeldin Drags Kaepernick Into Terrorism Debate

People on Twitter are wondering why New York congressman Lee Zeldin thought it was appropriate to bring Colin Kaepernick into the whole New York, New Jersey bomber situation.

After the FBI apprehended Ahmad Khan Ramahi yesterday morning, Lee Zeldin posted this on Twitter:

Suspect in custody. You are welcome Colin Kaepernick.

— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) September 19, 2016

His tweet sparked some confused and disapproving responses:

@leezeldin If only Kaepernick had stood for the anthem these past two weeks, we could have caught the terrorist 3 hours sooner probably.

— Alex Katz (@Alex__Katz) September 19, 2016

1+1 = kumquat https://t.co/6psueTQz9r

— Shers (@aubrihshark) September 19, 2016

Just did my job that I get paid for. You’re welcome, Colin Kaepernick

— Margaret Don’t-@wood (@DavidUzumeri) September 19, 2016

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The post RantCrush Top 5: September 20, 2016 appeared first on Law Street.

Players on the Miami Dolphins are the latest athletes to protest police brutality by not rising during the national anthem. Last week during the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Arian Foster, linebacker Jelani Jenkins, receiver Kenny Stills and safety Michael Thomas knelt when the anthem was played; Foster, Stills, and Thomas also knelt today before playing the New England Patriots.

The Dolphins players were continuing a protest started by Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers. Both Kaepernick and his teammate Eric Reid took a knee during the anthem at their game earlier today. Kaepernick has discussed his inspiration for the protests a few different times, including making the following statement to NFL Media in late August:

I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. 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.

Other athletes who have joined in on Kaepernick’s protest include Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos, and soccer player Megan Rapinoe. Rapinoe has knelt during the anthem while wearing her U.S. uniform; she is believed to be the first player in international soccer history to not stand for her nation’s anthem.

These protests haven’t come without a cost. The Dolphins will have their first home game of the year next week, and the head of the local police union has asked the police to withdraw their detail until the players stand for the anthem. Local union president Jeffery Bell told the press:

We’ve asked the deputies and the Broward Sheriff’s Office not to do the details anymore.

I respect their right to have freedom of speech. However, in certain organizations and certain jobs you give up that right of your freedom of speech temporary while you serve that job or while you play in an NFL game.

As the football season continues, supporters and critics alike will surely keep a close eye on which players protest the national anthem.

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post More Athletes Take a Knee During the National Anthem: Who Will be Next? appeared first on Law Street.

When Colin Kaepernick defended his decision to remain seated during the national anthem in order to protest widespread racial injustice, people quickly villainized the 49ers QB, labeling him ungrateful and unpatriotic. However, many military members are interpreting his First Amendment expression differently.

Kaepernick has received an outpouring of support on social media from veterans using the trending hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick to combat critics speaking on their behalf. Not only are these men and women in uniform speaking out in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and Kaepernick’s right to protest, but they’re also helping to show everyday Americans that being anti-racism doesn’t mean you’re anti-America.

Read some of the veterans’ tweets below:

Don’t use my service–or that of any veteran–to justify the silencing of black Americans. Not on my watch. #VeteransForKaepernick

— Charles Clymer (@cmclymer) August 31, 2016

I served this country honorably for his right to protest the way he saw fit. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/b2LiyAXa2q

— Miss B. (@brittneeraebaby) August 31, 2016

8 Years Active Duty. Twice in the sandbox. He can sit or stand as long as the waves. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/95yx9lUPZN

— McAnthony Brisco (@Bcounty510) August 31, 2016

A picture that sums up a thousand tweets in #VeteransForKaepernick thread pic.twitter.com/ljL6yNVikH

— Michele Norris (@michele_norris) August 31, 2016

Because I’m a black woman in and out of uniform #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/sBIhPQvmiB

— Liberation Brown (@LiberationBrown) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick I am a disabled veteran & haven’t stood for the Anthem since I separated. We are not free! pic.twitter.com/4RO4qGdKul

— Kristen Meghan (@KristenMeghan) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick because I didn’t volunteer to defend a country where police brutality is swept under the rug. pic.twitter.com/LtBkTvHHAn

— Baltic Avenue (@Baltic_Avenue) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick Because we’re actually not all self-centered racists. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/VHnW5Pbxav

— Ed Beck (@DEdwardBeck) August 31, 2016

@Kaepernick7 I served 25yrs in the AF to protect everyone’s 1st Amend rights. I support you #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q7r7PfvryA

— Nicole (@dcmbrdiva) August 31, 2016

I don’t agree with all of his points, but I’ll fight to the death for his right to say it. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/0jeFlIv5RX

— Isaac wright (@I_Zac33) August 31, 2016

I was a Black man before my service and will still be a Black man when I’m done #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Sjm8Laq9fB

— Dominique Thorpe (@GenuinelySpoken) August 31, 2016

I serve for his right to protest.. I don’t serve for Police Brutality.. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q6GUNTwHDO

— Airbnb Papi (@JoeOnDemand) August 31, 2016

You can love your country and ask your country to do better at the same time. #VeteransForKaepernick

— Black Jesus Barbie ™ (@RihTweetMe) August 30, 2016

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Millitary Veterans Support 49ers QB With #VeteransForKaepernick appeared first on Law Street.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick isn’t apologizing for refusing to stand for the national anthem during last Friday’s NFL preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Following a team practice Sunday, Kaepernick defended his actions, telling reporters he’ll continue to remain seated during the song in order to bring awareness to racial injustice and police brutality.

“This country stands for freedom, liberty, justice for all–and it’s not happening for all right now,” said Kaepernick.

Watch part of Colin Kaepernick’s explanation below

He said, “there’s people being murdered unjustly and [people are] not being held accountable. Cops are getting  paid leave for killing people. That’s not right. That’s not right by anyone’s standards.”

Many critics who see the flag as a symbol of the military viewed the protest as an insult to the men and women who serve in the armed forces. In his defense, Kaepernick said he has “great respect for men and women that have fought for this country.” He explained,

I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. They fight for freedom. They fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice for everyone. And that’s not happening. People are dying in vain because this country isn’t holding their end of the bargain up, as far as giving freedom and justice, liberty to everybody. It’s something that’s not happening. I’ve seen videos. I’ve seen circumstances where men and women that have been in the military have come back and been treated unjustly by the country they fought for and have been murdered by the country they fought for, on our land. That’s not right.

When it came to the election, the 29-year-old showed disdain for both presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, saying they both represent “the issue we have in this country.” Kaepernick explained:

I mean, you have Hillary [Clinton] who’s called black teens or black kids super-predators. You have Donald Trump who’s openly racist. I mean, we have a presidential candidate who’s deleted emails and done things illegally and is a presidential candidate. That doesn’t make sense to me, because if that was any other person, you’d be in prison. So what is this country really standing for?

This isn’t the first time the quarterback has remained seated during the patriotic anthem. He also sat for the “Star Spangled Banner” at two previous preseason games, although the silent protest went relatively unnoticed until recently.

It’s unclear if his continued protest will result in him getting cut from the team, but that’s a risk he’s willing to take. “If I do, I know I did what’s right and I can live with that at the end of the day,” said the QB. For now it appears that at least his teammates respect his decision.

And just by listening to his teammates, I think they respect his commitment to this, too. It’s not comfortable, but it’s real.

— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) August 28, 2016

#49ers Torrey Smith: “It takes a strong individual to stand up like that. That’s a right that we have.”

— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 28, 2016

Fans, however, are a different story. One fan filmed a viral video of himself burning a Colin Kaepernick jersey while playing the national anthem in the background.

49ers fans burning Kaepernick’s jersey to the National Anthem pic.twitter.com/MILA3AxNld

— BLACK ADAM SCHEFTER (@B1ackSchefter) August 28, 2016

There’s even a petition floating around by fans asking the NFL to fire him for “continuing to cause division and encourage racial separation using his sports platform and social media.” At the time of this post, the petition currently has about 400 signatures out of its desired goal of 1,000.

The NFL released a statement Saturday that said, “Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem.”

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Colin Kaepernick Will Continue to Sit During the National Anthem appeared first on Law Street.

Welcome to RantCrush Top 5, where we take you through today’s top five controversial stories in the world of law and policy. Who’s ranting and raving right now? Check it out below:

Ann Coulter Gets Roasted…At Rob Lowe’s Roast

Rob Lowe’s Comedy Central roast was Saturday night, and it was filled with Hollywood A-Listers like Ralph Macchio, Jewel, and of course, Ann Coulter. And even though the roast was for Rob Lowe, Coulter got slammed pretty hard as well. Possibly the harshest condemnation came from Pete Davidson, of “SNL,” who said: “Ann describes herself as a polemicist but most people call her a c***.”

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The post RantCrush Top 5: August 29, 2016 appeared first on Law Street.