49ers GM John Lynch: Anthem protests 'divisive,' but respects players' rights

The man in charge of Colin Kaepernick's former team is sharing his thoughts on the ongoing national anthem protests.

49ers general manager John Lynch said that while football and the love of the game should unite players of different backgrounds, he believes players have a right to use their position as a platform to speak out on their personal beliefs.

"We had a great deal the other day where we had four chairs up here, and there was Steve Young and Jerry Rice," Lynch said, via ESPN. "And they talked about 'The 49er Way.' And I always thought that's one of the great things about this league. As a matter of fact, I think it's a great beacon for the rest of culture, in terms of the way it should be. You strive for a common goal, and you have unity.

"And I think this game brings people together. So I think personally when I see that, I think that's divisive. And I understand guys see things and they're not happy. They have that right. And I think we'll always respect people's rights. That doesn't mean I believe that. I believe this game should be celebrated for what it is. I think [it's] a tremendous unifier for our country and for the way things should be."

The protests initiated by Kaepernick last season were recently echoed after the events last weekend in Charlottesville, Va., and President Donald Trump's controversial comments. Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett remained on the team’s bench with a towel over his head during the national anthem Sunday night, and Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch sat on a water cooler while eating a banana during the anthem Saturday night.

Bennett and Lynch have received support from players around the league, and Bennett is calling for more athletes — black and white — to participate in the national anthem protests.