When San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem, he drew a firestorm of criticism and questions about his patriotism.

Kaepernick says he is protesting racism and police brutality against communities of color. He continues to sit or kneel during the playing of the anthem and has been joined by other NFL players in support of his protest.

Are his actions unpatriotic? Is his protest bringing awareness to racial divisions in the U.S.? Veteran Seattle sportswriter Art Thiel of SportspressNW.com and University of Washington political science professor Christopher Parker share their insights on this episode of Conversations.