Controversial football star Colin Kaepernick accused his white adoptive parents of perpetuating racism in a new interview.“I know my parents loved me, but there were still very problematic things that I went through,” Kaepernick said.“It was important to show that, no, this can happen in your own home, and how we move forward collectively while addressing the racism that is being perpetuated.”

Kaepernick, in an attempt to idolize basketball player Allen Iverson, wanted to embrace his blackness by wearing cornrows, but his mother pushed back.“He’s getting what rolls?” his mother, Teresa, is cited as saying in the book.In reality, she allegedly told him: “Oh, your hair’s not professional. Oh, you look like a little thug.”The conversation with his mother has continued to impact Kaepernick’s life decades later, he said, even influencing his now-famous afro hairstyle.