San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has caused quite the stir after he refused to stand for the National Anthem during a preseason game his weekend.
Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh used to coach Kaepernick in San Francisco, and spoke today regarding the situation.
The reason he refused to stand, according to NFL.com, is because of the wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the U.S.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," he told NFL Media after the game. "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."
During his press conference, Harbaugh said he acknowledges Kaepernick's right, but doesn't respect what he did.
"I acknowledge his right to do that, but I don't respect the motivation or the action," Harbaugh said.
He later tweeted with an apology saying he misspoke.
"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," he tweeted.
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
Harbaugh also spoke out last year after the university canceled the screening of "American Sniper" due to complaints from students. The university eventually reinstated the screening.
Harbaugh tweeted, "Michigan Football will watch "American Sniper"! Proud of Chris Kyle & Proud to be an American & if that offends anybody then so be it!"
Michigan Football will watch "American Sniper"! Proud of Chris Kyle & Proud to be an American & if that offends anybody then so be it!
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) April 9, 2015
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