'I would do it again' - Kaepernick reflects on price of protest, 10 years on

"I knew the protest could potentially cost me my career...I would absolutely do it again."

Ten years on from making the gesture that catapulted him to iconic status, but which he believes led to his exile from the sport he loved, Colin Kaepernick insists he has no regrets.

It was September 2016 when NFL star Kaepernick knelt during the US national anthem before a match as a peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality.

It proved both inspirational and divisive.

In his first interview with BBC Sport, Kaepernick reflects on his journey; his pride at seeing England footballers take the knee, athlete activism, the relationship between sport and politics, and the price he paid for being a figurehead for the civil rights movement.

The former quarterback says he decided to protest despite suspecting it could risk his career.

"History shows us…that is a reality for athletes", he says.

"We also see this in broader movements, going well beyond costing someone their career, and costing people their lives. We see Malcolm X assassinated, we see MLK [Martin Luther King] assassinated, so the consequences are real."

Kaynak: BBC News World RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)