Elijah Scott, 16, wore a San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick jersey to work at the store last Sunday, but was later sent home after a customer complained about the jersey. Kaepernick is the backup quarterback who has sparked controversy recently by kneeling during the Star-Spangled Banner in protest of racial discrimination across the country.
Scott later posted a snapchat saying he was discriminated against by his employer.
A flier at the store says every Sunday is “NFL Gear” day, but it must be professional and work appropriate, according to his snapchat photo. Eli Scott later posted a snapchat of the photo, saying “I broke no rules.”
Company officials said Friday they have apologized to Scott and his family and said he will be allowed to wear the jersey in the future.
“We are proud and privileged to employ a workforce and to serve a customer base as diverse as America,” said Patty Leesemann, a Kroger spokeswoman in a statement. “We are aware of this situation and have apologized to Elijah and his mother. Diversity, inclusion and respect are among our company’s core values and ones we strive to live up to every day.”
Leesemann confirmed an assistant manager at the store asked Scott to change clothes after a customer complained about the jersey. She said Scott’s family has accepted the apology.
“The assistant store manager made a mistake and we’ve apologized and we’ve invited Elijah to wear his jersey and he can wear it on Sunday,” she said.
We’re working to talk to the Scott family and learn more.