Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa is afraid to show his support for President Trump as this month’s National Football League draft approaches.
Bosa, 21, told ESPN he purged his Twitter feed of certain tweets, citing concerns about being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, the team on which Colin Kaepernick played as a quarterback and began kneeling during the national anthem — protests that have become a nationwide flash point.
“I had to,” Bosa said. “There is a chance I might end up in San Francisco.”
In 2016, Bosa called Kaepernick a “clown” and posted photos and tweets in support of Trump during his tenure playing for Ohio State.
“He seemed to delight in posting political takes, including his support for President Trump, on Twitter and needling dissenters,” ESPN reported.
Trump has derided the national anthem protests Kaepernick inspired around the NFL in protest of police brutality against minorities, arguing the demonstrations disrespect the American flag and the U.S. military.
Bosa also toned down his political tweeting and online behavior prior to last month’s NFL combine. He is a top pick for the draft, which is set to occur on April 25, and San Francisco currently holds the Number 2 selection.
