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Sunday, September 04, 2016

Ravens coach defends Kaepernick's right to protest

OWINGS MILLS, Md. —Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is the latest person to weigh in on the controversy involving San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit down during the national anthem before NFL games.

Kaepernick said he decided to sit down during the anthem to show he stands with people who he said are being oppressed in the U.S.

While many people say they disagree with the decision, Harbaugh said taking a stand sometimes comes with criticism.

“I think as a coach, it is something you always think about," Harbaugh told reporters on Monday. "We deal with that on a regular basis, because we are talking about adults -- grown men. We are talking about a free country. I’m grateful for the right to express my displeasure, and that is what Colin chose to do.”

Harbaugh said, as a coach, it is important to respect the opinions of those on the team, even if you disagree with them.

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22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for a voice of intelligence.

Anonymous said...

Find another way to express yourself that does not insult the same people that make your right to express yourself possible. He is young and his decision is short sited. The topic he is trying to bring to light is already in the lime light so no need to make further bad decisions that WILL, not might, that will effect your career, the team you are playing for as well as the organization that you all play under. I am shocked that the NFL has not said anything about consequences because this reflect poorly on them as well. It certainly effects my decision to spend any money with NFL until they realign themselves with my ideals. Which I dont see happening anytime soon.

KBinLA said...

Not on the job, Harbaugh!
No one else in this country would get away with protesting 'on the job', and this POS needs to be put in his place.
Protest all you want, azzhole, off the field.
The NFL needs to man-up and demonstrate that they WILL NOT accept ANY protests while these players are 'at work'!

Anonymous said...

I agree he has the right to protest, but not on the job. I also have the right to protest the NFL and not purchase their game tickets are support their advertisers.

Anonymous said...

He has a right to protest but I have a right to not watch his games and not support their advertisers and I will let their advertisers know that.

Anonymous said...

Everyone knows your trolling.

Anonymous said...

You guys can look for every excuse in the book to OK this butt head, This is my country , the United States of America , if you don't recognize it or like it then move to another country that you like. He is now my enemy.

Anonymous said...

Jesus people. It's just football.
Bigger problems in the world.

Anonymous said...

Another reason I do not like the Ravens

Anonymous said...


We've all heard the admonition that it's better to be thought a fool through silence than to open your mouth and confirm the suspicion.

This is where Raven's coach Harbaugh found himself. Unfortunately, he couldn't resist opening his yap about something that didn't directly affect him or his team. Now we all know his IQ is lower than Flacco's number.

2016 annual minimum NFL salary is $450,000. Annual salary for President of US is $400,000, plus an array of fringes.

As a private citizen Kaepernick has certain rights regarding his pleasure or displeasure regarding our flag, our national anthem, etc. Everyone understands that, even if we find his behavior detestable and his opinions worthy of scorn.

Except he took this action in the context of his employment with the 49ers football team while dressed for work. It doesn't appear he sought approval from his coach beforehand, or informed him of his intentions. There may be a clause in his contract that addresses conduct detrimental to the team or its reputation. This story has more chapters.

Anonymous said...

If you really look at the core of Colin's gripe is...Is his intolerance for white people, The guy is a straight up racist and if I acted like that I would be fired from my job because I'm a reflection of my employer...It's called code of conduct.

Anonymous said...

Respect an opinion I Don't agree with and actually find it disrespectful is a joke. I know this man has the 'right' to say what he said; he doesn't have the expectation for all to accept his opinion. There will be consequences to his actions and words as there always are for everyone; whether good or bad.

Anonymous said...

Football wants to encourage disrespect then take away their tax status and then we will see when the teams start paying taxes how much they encourage this type of disrespect for the US flag. real quick. Sports teams have a tax exempt status that people don't know about. Then Congress and all Politians wants to take away help for the Family farm. Which is more important the Family Farm or a bunch of egotistical owners of sports teams.

Anonymous said...

I just lost respect for this a$$hole. No more Ravens, No more NFL for me!

Anonymous said...

KBinLA said...
Not on the job, Harbaugh!
No one else in this country would get away with protesting 'on the job', and this POS needs to be put in his place.
Protest all you want, azzhole, off the field.
The NFL needs to man-up and demonstrate that they WILL NOT accept ANY protests while these players are 'at work'!

August 31, 2016 at 2:59 PM

AMEN!!

Anonymous said...

2:59... no one else gets away with .......
I beg to differ. Remember not to long ago black NBA players were doing the same thing!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Jesus people. It's just football.
Bigger problems in the world.

August 31, 2016 at 4:45 PM

Yeah like getting rid of Traitors like you!

Anonymous said...

Harbaugh is as big a POS as is Kaepernick. Harbaugh also defended the criminal woman abuser Ray Rice.

Anonymous said...

in reference to the NBA, atleast their commissioner had the balls to suspend the guy WITHOUT pay, his A#$ was back on the floor the next game. it is just unacceptable.

Anonymous said...

Harbaugh, unless it's one of your players, just keep your mouth shut. All your opinion does is make some people disagree with your opinion. I personally don't give a rat's butt about ANY football player's personal opinions, or any coaches' personal opinions. A celebrity's opinion has no greater weight than any other, except in their own head.

Anonymous said...

What's Up With Thus guy??? Why can't he STFU like his brother does??, Freaking IDIOT! !

Anonymous said...

People like you are the problem. Years ago you said the same thing about the little things. You keep telling yourself it's only thus or that. Then it becomes a bigger issue. What's he protesting? ?? Blacks committing crimes with guns who don't follow commands from LE??? IT'S JUST FOOTBALL! !! REALLY??