Colin Kaepernick says false rumors of his Muslim conversion tied to Islamophobia

Colin Kaepernick says that the false rumors of his Muslim conversion are tied to Islamophobia.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick addressed rumors that he had converted to Islam and denied that his recent protest of the national anthem is influenced by his Muslim girlfriend.

Kaepernick said he has great respect for the Muslim religion, and thinks they are "phenomenal people."

“But I think that (rumor of conversion) comes along with people’s fear of this protest, as well as Islamophobia in this country," Kaepernick said. "People are terrified of them to the point where Trump wants to ban all Muslims from coming here, which is ridiculous."

Kaepernick has refused to stand for the national anthem before games, saying he won't do so until there is significant change in the United States. He again reiterated that his stance is not a protest against military members.

The 49ers open the season on Sept. 12, but Kaepernick said he would have no problem kneeling for the anthem had the team been scheduled to play on Sunday, Sept. 11, the 15-year anniversary of the attacks on America.

“This is an open discussion that I have with many people, not just my woman," he added. "She is Muslim, her family is Muslim, I have great respect for them. I have great respect for people’s right to believe what they want to believe. And I don’t think anybody should be prosecuted for judged based on what their beliefs all.’’

- Scooby Axson