Defensive end Nick Bosa received some criticism for some of his past social media activity before and after the San Francisco 49ers made him the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft. He has since apologized for any poor judgment on his part.
In addition to criticizing former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for his protest against social injustice, Bosa was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump. Some felt that might not sit well in the liberal Bay Area.
Even Bosa was concerned. His agent deleted his pro-Trump tweets before the draft.
"I had to," Bosa told ESPN in the weeks leading to the draft. "There is a chance I might end up in San Francisco."
Bosa's new teammates don't seem to have a problem with him. No one has had a bad thing to say about Bosa and insisted they were reserving judgment until they had an opportunity to meet the rookie. After spending time with Bosa during the offseason, 49ers players feel like he's a fantastic teammate, and that includes safety Antone Exum Jr.
"People have different political views," Exum told TMZ Sports in June. "He's still is a good-hearted guy. I've been with him, I've been beside him. I've worked out with him and talked to him. He's a good guy."
Apparently, those comments didn't sit well with a vocal portion of NFL fans.
"I got attacked by people on Twitter saying, 'Did you know he said this, did you know he did that?'" Exum recently told Eric Ting of the San Francisco Chronicle. "I took [Bosa] at face value and went off his energy, and the energy was positive and good."
Exum, who is also an aspiring rapper, says fans have also criticized him for releasing a song in support of Kaepernick and speaking up on his own concerns surrounding social injustice.
"I've been attacked about Bosa, I've been attacked about this song, but that just comes with the territory, I guess," Exum said. "I don't know where they come from or who they identify with... I wasn't really paying attention to it; I don't pay attention to it at all. I'm not out here bashing anyone, not portraying hate. I'm trying to make the world a better place, and doing so through my art."
While Exum released a song supporting Kaepernick, he also wants to make it clear that the former 49ers quarterback's message is his own. Exum has no desire or intention of ever kneeling during the national anthem, as Kaepernick did, and instead hopes to spread awareness in his own way.
"Part of the reason I haven't taken a knee and I'll never take a knee is because it would go against my belief in unity," Exum said. "I think this is a great way to explain good, through art. That's a message I want to spread. Get more creative guys, here's how we can spread our message in a positive way."
Exum told TMZ Sports in June that he would love to sit down with President Trump to discuss the topics important to him. He still hopes to do so one day.
"I'm a very reasonable person, one that's open-minded," Exum said. "I don't care if the whole world hates you, I just want to talk and see where you're coming from, what your intent is, (and) what is driving you to feel a certain way."
