Harbaugh acknowledges Kaepernick's right to protest, doesn't respect action

Jim Harbaugh says he acknowledges Colin Kaepernick's right to protest but does not respect the motivation or the action.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke out on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to protest and sit during the national anthem.

Harbaugh served as the 49ers head coach from 2011 to 2014. Kaepernick was named the team's starting quarterback in 2012. Kaepernick chose not to stand for the anthem before San Francisco’s preseason game on Friday in protest of racial oppression. He said that he will continue to sit during the “Star Spangled Banner” at future games.

The NFL issued a statement that says players are “encouraged but not required to stand” during the anthem.

"I acknowledge his right to do that, but I don't respect the motivation or the action," Harbaugh told reporters.

He later clarified his comments on Twitter:

“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.”