Jim Harbaugh comments on Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest

Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh talks with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during warmups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi
Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh talks with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during warmups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi /
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Jim Harbaugh weighed in on the actions of his Colin Kaepernick who is protesting the national anthem.

Jim Harbaugh is trying to get his Michigan football ready for the Wolverines season opener this weekend against Hawaii. His Monday afternoon press conference wasn’t solely about the game as his former quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers caused a stir over the weekend.

Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the national anthem before the 49ers preseason game was met with a multitude of opinions. Some support his right to do it while others think he’s being disrespectful to military and those who fought for his freedoms.

Harbaugh was asked what side of the controversy he sits on and said, “I acknowledge his right to do that, but I don’t respect the motivation or the action,” Harbaugh said.

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At first glance, those comments could be misconstrued as Harbaugh saying he doesn’t believe in his motivation, which Kaepernick said was in response to the mistreatment of African-Americans and people of color. Had Harbaugh said something to the effect of him agreeing with his message, but disagreeing with the means to deliver that message, he wouldn’t have had to offer a clarification later.

Moments after the quotes from his press conference went out, Harbaugh sent out a tweet to try to clarify things. Harbaugh said, “I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin’s motivation. It’s his method of action that I take exception to.”

Harbaugh is going to catch flak for walking back his comments, because that’s the nature of the beast and because he has never been shy about expressing an uncommon opinion.

I think many people will agree with Harbaugh, however, in the respect that yes, minorities are oppressed in this country compared to their caucasian counterparts. Is protesting the national anthem the best way to get his message across? If it was, wouldn’t there be hoards of other NFL players following his lead?

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It is far too risky to protest the American flag and what it represents but clearly more needs to be done to foster better race relations in this country. At least Kaepernick got a conversation started even if his method wasn’t the ideal way to start it.