1) it's bad logic. The flag is a powerful symbol of the American ideal. The American ideal does not tolerate the oppression of minorities. Quite the opposite, in fact. There are laws against it. Because it occurs does not mean the country, the flag, the government (headed by a minority President) or the Constitution mandates it.
Clearly the American Ideal
permits the oppression of minority groups, and of women too (not a minority), because these groups have been oppressed throughout the history of this country, and they still are in some ways. And even when it falls short of what many would call oppression, unequal treatment is still a fact of life for many. One can be tolerant of something, or not proactive enough about fighting it, without mandating it.
Either that, or our country has failed, and is still failing, to live up to its ideals of liberty and justice for all. One can choose to protest because they feel their country is failing to live up to its ideals too.
2) It's bad timing for him, personally. He's the 3rd stringer in the most public position on the team
3) it's a bad method of protest for someone in a rah rah American pastime like the NFL, who receives his paycheck from said organization. (of course, that does make him appear more courageous)
Perhaps, but that's his choice, and certainly not grounds for outrage. The protest either works the way he hoped it would or it doesn't, so
4) it's bad for the team. Standing as a team for the national anthem is a show of solidarity for each other and the organization, and as someone in a leadership position on the field, it will likely have negative repercussions within the team. And the 49ers this year are already struggling.
That's between him and his team. The 49ers are currently struggling, methinks, because of the mix of players, coaching, randomness, how well other teams are doing, and for countless other reasons that figure into the nature of the beast (not all teams can have winning seasons, and only one will win the championship). Would it be more acceptable, then, for a player on a winning team to engage in social commentary or protest? Or would he then be criticized for jeopardizing his team's shot at a championship?
That said, I don't see anyone, anywhere, saying he does not have the right to do it. That, also, is an American ideal.
No, but people seem to be scrambling to find fault and to enumerate reasons why he
shouldn't be doing this for this particular issue, at this time, and in this way.
Honestly, I've no idea if this protest stems from deeply held personal beliefs, or if it's a poorly thought out, childish tantrum by an unpleasantly contentious player, or if it's a silly publicity stunt by a third-string player who wishes he were getting more attention from the media. I don't really care either.
