Jim Harbaugh Criticizes Colin Kaepernick, Then Backpedals
(CBS) Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh on Monday initially criticized former pupil and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to not stand for the national anthem prior to preseason contests in a form of protest over racial injustice in America, then backpedaled on those comments later on Twitter.
"I acknowledge his right to do that, but I don't respect the motivation or the action," Harbaugh said in an afternoon news conference on Kaepernick sitting during the anthem, according to MLive.com.
Not too long after that, Harbaugh backtracked on social media, saying his misspoke. Harbaugh coached Kaepernick for four years, from 2011 to 2014, in San Francisco. Kaepernick and Harbaugh helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl following the 2012 season.
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
Kaepernick has indicated he'll continue to sit during the national anthem until he sees progress in race relations.
"I'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed," Kaepernick told reporters Sunday. "To me this is something that has to change. When there's significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand."