John Rich Has Damning Comparison When It Comes to What Protesting the National Anthem is Equal To

While many country singers have chosen to stay silent about recent events surrounding NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, John Rich of hit country duo Big & Rich isn't afraid to let his fans know how he feels about people refusing to stand for the national anthem.

As Independent Journal Review previously reported, Kaepernick began the controversy after staying seated for the national anthem during a preseason NFL game.

Not mincing words, the player told NFL Media:

"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."

To Rich, who is an avid supporter of veterans and a lover of his country, this is just unacceptable.

View image on Twitter

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John Rich ✔@johnrich

Met a real American badass tonight! Checkout my buddy@Noah_Galloway 's new book #LivingwithnoExcuses

2:03 AM - 26 Aug 2016

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So after posting a tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11... 

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John Rich ✔@johnrich

Today we remember this generation's Pearl Harbor, #9/11 We proudly stand for the Star Spangled Banner, hand over hearts.#GodBlessAmerica

5:15 PM - 11 Sep 2016

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Rich came out with his own very direct and to-the-point statement...

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John Rich ✔@johnrich

To me, there's no difference in protesting the#StarSpangledBanner or burning the American flag. http://Not.One .Bit.

2:41 PM - 12 Sep 2016

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The tweet reads:

"To me, there's no difference in protesting the #StarSpangledBanner or burning the American flag. Not.One.Bit."

If Rich is a fan of Monday Night Football, he probably won't like what he sees tonight because the controversy isn't over yet. The Philadelphia Eagles, who are scheduled to face off against the Chicago Bears, have hinted at plans to show on-field support for Kaepernick.

This, however, is not the Eagles's first game of the season. Playing on 9/11, safety Malcolm Jenkins told sports radio WIP the team held off on their demonstration out of respect for the day:

“We got guys, especially myself, who feel very strongly about the topic. Last week, we talked about doing some stuff, but we wanted to make sure we didn’t do anything to take away from the folks, the families, that suffered from 9-11. We didn’t want to mess with that day, so we left last week alone. But moving forward, I’m sure there will be guys that will probably join in.”

According to the Chicago Sun Times, the Bears have no plans to protest tonight.