Colin Kaepernick's Pig Socks: Disrespectful to the Police and A Sign of Ignorance

The National Association of Police Organization, a coalition of police unions and associations from across the US and one of the biggest police organizations in the country, lambasted NFL athlete Colin Kaepernick last Thursday after getting the news that during training camp practices in August, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback used socks that had a pig on it wearing police hats the USA Today reported.

 "It's just ridiculous that the same league that prohibits the Dallas (Cowboys) football club from honoring the slain officers in their community with their uniforms stands silent when Kaepernick is dishonoring police officers with what he's wearing on the field," Bill Johnson executive director of The National Association of Police Organization said.

The Dallas Cowboys' apparently planned to use a helmet decal to pay tribute to the five police officers killed in July's sniper attack however, the plan was denied by the NFL, according to a published report.

"I think the league is in a downward spiral regarding their obligations to the public" Johnson further said.

Johnson, whose organization represents more than 240,000 active law enforcement officers, stated that Kaepernick's decision to wear "pig socks" is both a sign of disrespect and ignorance.

"It doesn't seem like he's thought through or bothered to educate himself about the way (law enforcement officers)  are out there trying to do a very difficult job, and the vast majority of the time get the job done right," Johnson said.

NFL game officials have not issued any response yet until the league office has finished consulting with the 49ers management and players.

However, Kaepernick, who made headlines for refusing to stand during the national anthem, defended his "pig socks" on Instagram later Thursday.

He said: "I wore those socks, in the past, because the rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions in police departments, not only put the community in danger, but also put the cops that have the right intentions in danger by creating an environment of tension and mistrust."

"I have two uncles and friends who are police officers and work to protect and serve ALL people. So before those socks, which were worn before I took my public stance, are used to distract from the real issues, I wanted to address this immediately."

Kaepernick's bold public protests during NFL games has sparked very heated debates across the US with some defending his protest saying that police brutality is a reality in the US that must be addressed.