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Mike Ditka: ‘I don’t see all the atrocities going on in this country that people say are going on’

Mike Ditka is interviewed at the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII media center on Jan. 29, 2014.
(Matt Slocum / Associated Press)
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Mike Ditka said Friday he has no respect for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has refused to stand during the national anthem since the NFL preseason.

“Anybody who disrespects this country and the flag, if they don’t like our flag then get the hell out,” he said on Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan. “That’s what I think. So if you’re asking me, I have no respect for Colin Kaepernick. He probably has no respect for me, that’s his choice.”

In addition, the Pro Football Hall of Famer suggested there’s nothing going on the country to warrant a protest.

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“I don’t see all the atrocities going on in this country that people say are going on,” Ditka said. “I see opportunities if people want to look for opportunities. If they don’t want to look for ‘em, then you can find problems with anything.”

Kaepernick has said he’s protesting against social injustice and police brutality.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said last month. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

charles.schilken@latimes.com

Twitter: @chewkiii

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