President Obama calls Colin Kaepernick's anthem protest 'his Constitutional right'

President Barack Obama defended Colin Kaepernick's right to protest the national anthem on Monday.

Answering a question about the San Francisco 49ers quarterback's ongoing protest, President Obama, speaking at a G20 press conference in China, admitted he hadn't been following the controversy closely but said he defended Kaepernick's actions as "his Constitutional right."

Noting "a long history of sports figures" doing similar acts of protest, Obama also noted "the meaning [the anthem and flag] hold for our men and women in uniform."

"I don't doubt his sincerity," the president added, saying Kaepernick has "generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about" which is sometimes "messy and controversial."

Indeed, Kaepernick has come under fire from many for his refusal to stand for the anthem. The Santa Clara Police Officers Association, the union that represents officers who work security for 49ers home games, has threatened to refuse service at future games over Kaepernick's protest.

But he's also gained support from fellow NFL players, veterans, and U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe. Kaepernick has also seen his popularity in jersey sales jump to the third most popular of any NFL player right now and the most popular 49er.

As for on-the-field action, Kaepernick will open the season as the 49ers' back-up quarterback behind Blaine Gabbert.