49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the pregame national anthem in protest of racial inequities has spawned lots of opinions. Many people have offered takes on Kaepernick’s choice, and most don’t know him.
Jim Harbaugh apologized for saying he doesn’t agree with ‘motivation’ behind Colin Kaepernick’s protest
Kaepernick’s former coach weighed in on his decision to sit for the national anthem, then weighed in again.
Jim Harbaugh does know Kaepernick. The Michigan head coach pushed hard to draft Kaepernick when he led the 49ers in 2011, and the two reached a Super Bowl together. Harbaugh offered a view of Kaepernick’s protest at a press availability on Monday.
Jim Harbaugh on Colin Kaepernick: "I acknowledge his right to do it. But I don't respect the motivation or the action."
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) August 29, 2016
But Harbaugh issued a correction, of sorts, shortly thereafter.
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
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) August 29, 2016
After not standing for the anthem before a preseason game on Friday, Kaepernick explained himself to the NFL’s official website.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” the quarterback said. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
Kaepernick intends to keep sitting during the anthem, he told media on Sunday.
“I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed,” he said. “To me, this is something that has to change. When there’s significant change and I feel that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”
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Athletes must speak their minds despite criticism
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