(CNN) — Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick accused his white adoptive parents of perpetuating racism in their home in an interview with CBS’s Adriana Diaz on Thursday.
“I know my parents loved me, but there were still very troublesome things that I went through,” said the 35-year-old.
“I think it was important to show that no, this can happen in your house, and how you collectively move forward while tackling the racism that is perpetuating itself.”
Kaepernick revealed that when he got braids as a child, his mother told him: “Your hair is unprofessional, you look like a little criminal.”
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback added: “Those become spaces where it’s like, ‘How do I navigate this situation now?’ and it’s something I’ve reported on why I have long hair today.”
Rick and Teresa Kaepernick are a couple from Wisconsin. CNN tried to contact them for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Kaepernick, second right, is pictured with his parents, from left, Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, and their partner Nessa Diab arriving at the 3rd Annual “Dear Mama: A Love Letter to Moms” at The Theater at Ace Hotel on Thursday, May 3, 2018, in Los Angeles. Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
In “Colin in Black and White,” a 2021 Netflix series revisiting Kaepernick’s childhood, there is a scene showing the former NFL player’s mother calling him a “criminal” because she disapproves of his hair.
The book, titled ‘Colin Kaepernick: Change the Game,’ is “a memoir graphic novel detailing his years in high school before he entered the professional sports spotlight,” according to the news release from the Scholastic publishing group. The novel was co-written with Eve Ewing.
Eli Harold #58, Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel for the anthem before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. Credit: Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
In the same interview, Kaepernick said that he still wants to play soccer professionally.
“Colin Kaepernick: Change the Game” was co-written by Kaepernick and author Eve L. Ewing and illustrated by Orlando Caicedo. Credit: Kaepernick Publishing
Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since 2016 after controversy erupted over his refusal to stand for the national anthem before games to protest police brutality and racial injustice while a San Francisco 49ers player.
