UNR quarterback Colin Kaepernick fires a pass against UNLV in last year’s 49-27 Wolf Pack victory at Sam Boyd Stadium. The then-sophomore was equally dangerous with his arm (11-of-16, 176 yards, 2 TDs) as he was with his legs (18 carries, 240 yards, 3 TDs).
Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 | 3:25 p.m.
Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit during the national anthem is prompting protests over a display at the Reno airport that includes memorabilia from his days at UNR, where he was a star player before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.
An official at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport said Wednesday that the airport has received more than a hundred angry messages by phone, email and social media from locals and travelers who want Kaepernick's trophy, helmet and other memorabilia removed from the prominent display case. Others passing by have also offered disapproving hand gestures, hisses and venting in person.
"The toughest ones are the ones that come from veterans," said Brian Kulpin, the airport's spokesman. "There's very strong feelings."
Kaepernick said last week that he's refusing to stand for the national anthem because he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities. The biracial Kaepernick has been outspoken on his Twitter account on civil rights issues and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kaepernick sat through the anthem during the 49ers' three preseason games so far and said he intends to continue the protest during Thursday night's preseason finale in San Diego and beyond.
While at UNR, Kaepernick became the only player in NCAA history with three seasons of 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. He was drafted by San Francisco in 2011.
Kulpin said the community airport has never seen such an outcry as the one prompted by Kaepernick's things.
The 20-foot-long glass display case at the airport highlights UNR, including its history and academics and sports programs. Featured in the primary concourse and visible to all passengers who go through security, Kulpin said the decorative display has always been popular, especially the Kaepernick items that were added about three years ago.
"It's the only thing in the public eye that is a shrine to Colin Kaepernick," Kulpin said.
The display's contents are owned and managed by the university and are due for an update in the coming months. There was a brief mix-up on Monday when the Kaepernick items were removed temporarily for a cleaning and then placed back in the display.
UNR associate athletic director Chad Hartley said changes had long been planned and they are unrelated to the Kaepernick firestorm, though the school hasn't been immune to the feedback.
"We've seen some messages. We've heard from fans. But we've heard on both and all sides of the issue," Hartley said.
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