Colin Kaepernick clarifies remarks on Fidel Castro

(CNN) – NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is on the defense after he claims comments about Cuba’s Fidel Castro were taken out of context.

“What I said was, I agree with the investment in education. I also agree with the investment in free universal health care. As well as the involvement in him helping end apartheid in South Africa. I would hope that everyone agrees those are good things. And trying to push the false narrative that I was supporter of the oppressive things that he did, is just not true.”

Kaepernick was booed before his game in Miami on Sunday. The city is home to a large Cuban population, who was outraged by his apparent support for Fidel Castro. A Miami-Herald columnist says Kaepernick – who plays for the San Francisco 49ers – praised Castro during an interview Wednesday.

He reportedly said that Castro invested in education, while the US invests in prisons. Kaepernick once wore a t-shirt showing Castro’s meeting with black rights activist Malcolm X. He also caused a controversy this summer, after sitting in protest during the national anthem at a preseason game.