i.Weve had a handful like this, not necessarily exactly losing the

No matter what happens when the final cuts are made, Colin Kaepernick already had the best preseason of anyone in the NFL.He sparked vehement outrage.He drew steadfast support.He got us talking.That is America -- and its athletes -- at their very best.Were not putting Kaepernick in the same league as Muhammad Ali, whose decision to not fight in Vietnam cost him more than three years in the prime of his career. Or mentioning the San Francisco 49ers quarterback in the same breath with Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who were sent home in disgrace from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics for giving a black power salute on the medal stand.But Kaepernick is certainly following in the footsteps of those giants, who bravely protested this countrys injustices even when they knew it would come at enormous personal cost.For the past week, weve debated -- in coffee shops, at work, on talk radio shows, around the dinner table -- the merits of Kaepernicks decision not to stand for the national anthem before games, his way of protesting the centuries-long short end of the stick that people of color have been getting in America, especially at the hands of the so-called justice system.Maybe you dont like his tactics, feel he is being disrespectful to what this country stands for -- or, at least, is supposed to stand for.Thats fine.This is America. Youre free to express your opinions.So is Kaepernick, who, it should be noted, wasnt up in anyones face or being disruptive -- not that theres anything wrong with those tactics, either.The biracial quarterback simply refused to stand for The Star-Spangled Banner, a gesture that actually went unnoticed for a couple of preseason games before someone finally realized what was up.Kaepernick, to his credit, didnt back down when called out. He explained his motives thoughtfully, saying he wanted to draw attention to the discrimination that undeniably still exists in this country and continues to hold back so many of our fellow citizens.We have a lot of people that are oppressed, he said after Thursdays final preseason game in San Diego. We have a lot of people that arent treated equally, that arent given equal opportunities. Police brutality is a huge thing that needs to be addressed. There are a lot of issues that need to be talked about, that need to be brought to life, and we need to fix those things.Hes no longer alone, either.In San Diego, Kaepernick took a knee along with teammate Eric Reid, who decided this was a cause worth following. So did Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane, who sat on the bench while the anthem was played before another preseason game in Oakland.Once we get to the regular season, look for more and more players to follow Kaepernicks lead -- even if hes only there in spirit.You see, Kaepernicks future with the 49ers was still up in the air Friday. The once-dynamic quarterback who led San Francisco to the 2013 Super Bowl lost his starting job a year ago, and theres no guarantee that hell get it back.Or even make the team, for that matter.New 49ers coach Chip Kelly has been vague on his intentions, saying only that Kaepernick will be judged like everyone else when the 53-man roster is set Saturday. Of course, its foolish to think Kelly wont at least consider how much of a distraction it would be to keep a quarterback who has made it clear that he intends to keep pressing ahead with his off-the-field grievances.That, in a way, makes Kaepernicks stance even more admirable. He decided to take on a much greater cause than football with his professional future in doubt, fully aware that it might affect his chances of staying with the team or, should he be cut, catching on with someone else.What makes an act truly patriotic and not just lip-service is when it involves personal risk or sacrifice, basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote this week in The Washington Post.Now, it should be noted that Kaepernicks $11.9 million salary for this year is fully guaranteed, whether or not he makes the 49ers.But his future earnings could surely take a hit.Kaepernicks choice not to stand during the national anthem could create a public backlash that might cost him millions in future endorsements and affect his value as a player on his team, reducing salary earnings or even jeopardizing his job, Abdul-Jabbar wrote. If team ticket sales seriously dipped as a result, he would pay for his stance.Invoking those giants of the 1960s, Abdul-Jabbar got to the heart of the matter.What should horrify Americans is not Kaepernicks choice to remain seated during the national anthem, he wrote, but that nearly 50 years after Ali was banned from boxing for his stance and Tommie Smith and John Carloss raised fists caused public ostracization and numerous death threats, we still need to call attention to the same racial inequities. Failure to fix this problem is whats really un-American here.Thats what Kaepernick has been saying all along.He loves America. He just wants to make it a better place.Lets hope Kaepernick gets another chance to take a knee.If he does, we should all stand with him.---Paul Newberry is a national writer for The Associated Press. Write to him at pnewberry(at)ap.org or at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/paul-newberry .---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Kirk Gibson Jersey . Dallas hasnt ruled out the star quarterback for Sunday nights game against Philadelphia, but all signs point to Romos back injury pushing Kyle Orton into the starting role after two years of limited play as the backup. Surely Ortons name isnt the first that comes to mind for fans wanting a change after years of damaging interceptions, fumbles or, most infamously, the field goal flub when Romo dropped the snap on a kick that could have won his first playoff game in 2006. Ryan Carpenter Jersey . Clarke was injured while practicing on the Doha Golf Club range after the pro-am on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman arrived at the course on Wednesday hoping to start, but after hitting a few balls on the practice putting green Clarke advised officials he was not fit to play. http://www.tigersgearshop.com/Tigers-Lance-Parrish-Kids-Jersey/ .7 million, one-year contract, a raise of $2.2 million. Wieters had asked for $8.75 million and the Orioles had offered $6. Joe Jimenez Jersey . PAUL, Minn. Denny McLain Jersey .C. United of Major League Soccer. United chose the defender in the second round of the 2013 MLS re-entry draft. SAN DIEGO -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are firmly in the playoff picture.Its been a long time since thats happened.Ive been here for five years and this is the first time weve been playing meaningful football in December, so I cant lie to you, it is a great feeling, Keith Tandy said after his interception sealed the Bucs fourth straight victory, 28-21 against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.But we also know we have a lot of work to do, so well take 24 hours to enjoy it and get back to work.The Bucs (7-5) pulled into a tie with Atlanta atop the NFC South.Jameis Winston threw a go-ahead, 12-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Brate midway through the fourth quarter and Tandy intercepted Philip Rivers in the end zone with 2:56 left.Tampa Bay hosts the Saints next Sunday. They finish with games at New Orleans, at Dallas and at home against Carolina.As well as winning four straight, the Bucs have won four straight on the road.Tandy was already past this one and ready for the next game.Ive never played meaningful football in December, so Im ready to get on and see how it feels, he said.Here are some takeaways from the Bucs win:PERSPECTIVESince winning the Super Bowl here in January 2003 with a rout of the Oakland Raiders, the Bucs have been back to the playoffs only twice, losing in the wild-card round both times. Theyve missed the playoffs the last eight years.Were having fun, and when you have fun good things happen, rookie cornerback Vernon Hargreaves said. Hopefully we can keep this streak going and see where it takes us.GREAT DEFENSERivers threw two second-half interceptions, including Lavonte Davids pick-6.Hargreaves had a hand in both pickoffs.He tipped the ball that David plucked out of the air and returned 15 yards for a 17-14 lead late in the third quarter.After Winstons go-ahead TD pass to Brate and a 2-point conversion pass to Mike Evans, Rivers had the Chargers on the move in the final minutes. Hargreaves hollered out what route to look for. Tandy got in front of a pass to Dontrelle Inman along the right sideline and picked it off.Tandys momentum carried him into the end zone, giving the Bucs the ball on their 20. They were able to run out the clock.Tandy said the defense made addjustments at halftime and came out fired up.ddddddddddddWe didnt have the energy we had the last couple of weeks. So thats all we kept talking about, Tandy said. You could hear guys going, `Lets get the energy back. Lets get the energy back and lets keep punching. BOLTSThe Chargers (5-7) were trying to get back to .500 for the first time since Week 2. They remain buried in the AFC West basement and have all but assured themselves of missing the playoffs for the third time in coach Mike McCoys four seasons and for the sixth time in seven seasons.In his last home game, Rivers was intercepted four times in the fourth quarter of a 31-24 loss to Miami.Weve had a handful like this, not necessarily exactly losing them this way, but we have had our chances to win and we havent gotten it done, Rivers said.You cant turn it over twice. Cant turn it over, one for a touchdown and the other in that situation.WINNING DRIVETampa Bay benefited from a short punt by Drew Kaser to start the winning drive on its 46. Winston found Brate for the TD on the fourth play of the drive, with 9:01 to play, and then hit Evans on a conversion pass for a 28-21 lead.Winston was 20 of 30 for 280 yards, with one TD and one pickoff.Winston was intercepted by Casey Hayward on Tampa Bays first possession, but Josh Lambo was wide left on a 53-yard field goal try. Winston then led the Bucs on a drive capped by Doug Martins 2-yard touchdown run on a great second effort.INJURIESTampa Bay wide receiver Cecil Shorts III was taken off the field on a cart after sustaining a knee injury on a hard hit by San Diegos Jahleel Addae following a catch on the Bucs first possession. Shorts was tended to for a few minutes and then put on the cart. The entire Buccaneers team came out near the cart, and several of the players slapped hands with the wide receiver. Shorts pumped a fist toward his teammates as he was driven off.Tampa Bay also lost WR Adam Humphries with a concussion and tight end Luke Stocker with an ankle injury.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '