Coach Harbaugh's Support of Colin Kaepernick in Time 2017
Given all that's going on, I wanted to to share again one of my favorite "articles" which was Jim Harbaugh's support of Colin Kaepernick back in 2017. Coach Harbaugh wrote the following for Time's 100 Most Influential people of 2017. Just a reminder that we are lucky to have a coach who has been far ahead of the curve in supporting black people and the injustices that they continue to face in America.
"Colin Kaepernick was alone in his early protests last year when he boldly and courageously confronted perceived inequalities in our social-justice system by refusing to stand for the national anthem. At times in our nation's history, we have been all too quick to judge and oppose our fellow Americans for exercising their First Amendment right to address things they believe unjust.
Rather than besmirch their character, we must celebrate their act. For we cannot pioneer and invent if we are fearful of deviating from the norm, damaging our public perception or—most important—harming our own personal interests.
I thank Colin for all he has contributed to the game of football as an outstanding player and trusted teammate. I also applaud Colin for the courage he has demonstrated in exercising his guaranteed right of free speech. His willingness to take a position at personal cost is now part of our American story.
How lucky for us all and for our country to have among our citizens someone as remarkable as Colin Kaepernick."
If I remember correctly, Harbaugh's first few interviews on the subject were kind of suspect.
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/harbaugh-doesnt-support-kaepernicks-national-anthem-stance
He changed his tune soon after his Michigan players started doing the protesting (Jourdan Lewis etc.)
This is when he became more of an advocate with the Obamas and got involved w/ civil funds for low-income Americans etc.
Glad we got a coach who listens. It could be a lot worse right now.
I agree - there were some interviews where both Harbaugh and his brother mentioned they supported the cause but did not agree with the methodology to express that cause.
It would seem that Harbaugh came around after talking to some of the then Michigan players who expressed support, as well as to Colin behind the scenes. This is just my conjecture, but the evidence points to Harbaugh keeping an open mind and then shifting his stance to one of advocacy.
IMO, the mark of a great leader is one who can gather the data, listen to the people he is leading, and change his mind when the situation warrants it (even if there was a previous disposition toward a different view). Very impressive.
This type of change is exactly what's needed right now.
I think it was literally just one presser and he immediately clarified and apologized on social media afterwards.
In any case changing his mind is really not a negative, in fact quite the opposite.
Coach strikes me as a high character guy. I love that he is our coach and I'm thankful for his actions in developing young Michigan men.
Thank you, Coach...titles will come but much more important work to do ??
I firmly believe Coach Harbaugh will lead Michigan to multiple National Championships. Yes, championships - plural.
If there's anything he has demonstrated, it's his commitment to improving and engineering positive growth. I think the trophies will come in good time.
I will say, I'm not surprised that Kaepernick's image is being rehabilitated in the public eye, but I am surprised how quickly it's been. People are starting to grasp that the "disrespecting the flag" stuff was a red herring thrown up by those who didn't want to deal with the issue he actually was protesting against (police violence). I thought this would take another 10-20 years.
Unfortunately, I worry that, as long as Trump has sixty million Americans in his pocket (and a subsequent TV network), this will not be a settled discussion for a generation.
The statistic being thrown around a lot lately is that of MLK’s reputation prior to the March on Washington. It wasn’t great, and it only improved as his words gained more attention through his public appearances and tragic death.
"Perceived inequalities" makes it sound like he didn't believe in Kap's cause. Understandable at the time I suppose since many of us didn't take it seriously either.
Still good to see him supporting a man's right to protest and stand up for what he believes. That alone is an honorable trait.
was gonna point out the same - "perceived" is a cop-out word. But no question since then Harbaugh has walked the walk on the issue, fmr Pres Obama literally said that harbaugh's been on the right side of this issue for quite some time.
To echo others, glad Harbaugh kept an open mind and updated his beliefs as he gained more knowledge and insight.
Coach Harbaugh's statement is wonderful, how lucky we are to have him.
Hit this hard on the recruiting trail Harbz