Colin Kaepernick, GQ Magazines' "Citizen Of The Year," took to instagram today to show support for Meek Mill, who was recently sentenced to two-to-four years in prison for violating parole. The free agent quarterback described Meek as being a "victim of systematic oppression."
Kaepernick posted a black and white photo of the Philly-native on his official instagram account with a length caption that reads in part,
"This criminal (in)justice system, ripe with racial discrimination, stigmatizes, profiles, and targets young Black men for arrest at a young age, having its roots in their hyper-policed neighborhoods that they are raised in, and sadly extending into what should be a safe space—the classroom, via the school to prison pipeline."
"Yes, there needs to be action surrounding sentencing reform, but there needs to also be action taken around abolishing the racialized norms of injustice that can lead to Meek Mill serving 2-4 years in prison for non-violent parole violations, and Brock Turner serving 3 months in prison for three felony counts of sexual assault."
Additionally, Kaepernick added to his message via twitter. "Sadly there are Black folks going through the same radicalized injustice(s) within the justice system that Meek Mill has experienced for over a decade EVERY SINGLE DAY. This requires more than just gradual reform in laws—It requires a swift overhaul. " Kaepernick tweeted.
Several other athletes have also shown support for Meek Mill since his sentencing was announced. Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin also wrote a letter to the judge who recently sentenced Meek Mill to two-to-four years in prison for violating his probation. In the letter, which was written prior to the hearing, Rubin explains to judge Genece E. Brinkley that Meek is a "good son, a good father, and a loyal friend."