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SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Colin Kaepernick was encouraged that President Barack Obama recently weighed in on his national anthem protest by praising him for generating conversation about social issues.Obama said Monday that he had no doubt that the San Francisco 49ers quarterback is sincere and cares about some real, legitimate issues. He also said approvingly that Kaepernick has generated more national conversation about issues that need to be talked about since his refusal to stand for the anthem became public less than two weeks ago.Hes someone who also realizes theres many issues that need to be addressed and need changing in this country, Kaepernick said Wednesday. I think a lot of the initial shock of what the protest was about and the kind of significance of that was lost in the action and the message wasnt really addressed. I think that was great that he came out and supported the message that we do need to make changes in these areas.Kaepernick did not stand for the national anthem all preseason and his protest became public after he sat before a home game against Green Bay on Aug. 26. Kaepernick has cited racial injustice and police brutality among the many reasons for his actions and said he plans to continue to not stand for the anthem during the regular season.Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem last Thursday in San Diego with teammate Eric Reid in a move meant to show more respect to some military members who had been critical of the protest. Seattle defensive back Jeremy Lane also joined in by sitting before his teams game in Oakland last week. Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin said Wednesday that he is considering joining the protest as well but wants to get all my ducks in a row before I do so.I think its something where theres a lot of players that really feel the same way, Kaepernick said. Theyre just nervous about consequences that come along with it. A lot of them have families to feed. I think thats a tragic situation where players arent comfortable speaking whats really on their mind and whats right because theyre afraid of consequences that come along with it.Kaepernick plans to continue the protest when the regular season starts next Monday against the Los Angeles Rams. He said he would refuse to stand for the anthem even if the Niners opened the season like most teams on Sunday, which is the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.Once again, this isnt a protest against men and women in the military. I have great respect for them, Kaepernick said. People are getting lost in what the true message is, and dont want to address what it really is and address those issues. And thats really the problem. I wish people would be as outraged about the murders that are happening in the street as they are about a protest.Earlier Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he disagrees with Kaepernicks choice to kneel during the anthem but recognizes the quarterbacks right to protest.I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we dont live in a perfect society, Goodell said in an email to the AP. On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL. I personally believe very strongly in that.Kaepernick said last week that he planned to donate $1 million from his salary to groups supporting his cause and announced Wednesday that he will donate proceeds from his jersey sales to charity to thank fans for their support. Sales of Kaepernicks jersey have skyrocketed since his protest became public.The jersey sales jumped because of peoples belief that there can be change, he said. And we can make this country better, and that they believe I was someone who could help that change.In football news, Kaepernick said he is getting stronger each day after missing the offseason program following three operations and sitting out two weeks in training camp with a tired throwing shoulder.That lack of practice time contributed to Blaine Gabbert winning the starting quarterback job for the 49ers. Kaepernick will open the season as a backup for the first time since 2012. He replaced the injured Alex Smith as starter later that season and led San Francisco to the Super Bowl.I have to wait my time and work, he said. Ive been in this position before. Last time I was in this position I ended up in the Super Bowl. So I continue to work and prepare for when that next opportunity comes.---Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Jordan Poyer Jersey . Andrew Luck lost his favourite target and the Indianapolis locker room lost one of its most revered leaders when Reggie Wayne was diagnosed Monday with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will cost him the rest of the season. O. J. Simpson Bills Jersey . A lawyer for MLB, Matthew Menchel, confirmed Wednesday the league dropped its case against Biogenesis of America, its owner Anthony Bosch and several other individuals. The lawsuit had accused Biogenesis and Bosch of conspiring with players to violate their contracts by providing them with banned performance-enhancing substances. http://www.shoptheofficialbills.com/Customized/ . "Trying to breathe," he said with a grin. Bernier stopped 42 of 43 shots on Monday night, including all 22 in a hectic middle frame, his heroic performance propelling the Leafs toward an undue point in their final game before the Christmas break. Matt Milano Youth Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have placed centre Cody Hodgson on injured reserve and recalled two players from their AHL affiliate in Rochester. Andre Roberts Womens Jersey . But what about the officials? Every sport has officials and they also have stories about hard work and sacrifice but their accomplishments are seldom recognized by anyone outside their inner circle.Plymouth Argyle will have striker Jamille Matt available for the second leg of their Sky Bet League Two play-off against Portsmouth on Sunday evening. The Fleetwood loanee, who scored both of Argyles goals in Thursdays first leg, has escaped punishment for the off-the-ball incident with Michael Doyle.Reuben Reid had been on standby after his return to the bench at Fratton Park following a thigh injury. Argyle first team coach Paul Wotton will also be available to be in the dugout for the Home Park leg, as will Portsmouth manager Paul Cook.The pair were sent to the stands early in the first half as they clashed following the incident between the two players. Jamille Matt is free to play in the second leg Defender Carl McHugh looks set to retain his starting berth after coming through 90 minutes of the first game following a hamstring injury. Highlights of the 2-2 draw at Fratton Park in the first leg Portsmouth boss Cook will be hoping for a bigger pool of players to choose from.ddddddddddddHe will be checking on the fitness of Conor Chaplin and Matt Clarke, who both missed out in midweek due to injury. Argyles Jamille Matt insisted the first-half flashpoint involving Michael Doyle was just handbags on Thursday night Ben Close returned to the bench and could push for a starting place, while on-loan striker Conor Wilkinson may also feature.Kieron Freeman is ruled out following his red card in the final league game of the regular season alongside Adam Webster (ankle).Watch Plymouth Argyle v Portsmouth live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 5.50pm on Sunday. ' ' '