Jim Harbaugh responds to Donald Trump’s comments on NFL protests

During Jim Harbaugh’s post-game press conference following Michigan’s 28-10 victory over Purdue on Saturday, the Wolverines’ head man was asked about recent comments made by President Donald Trump. While at a campaign rally in Alabama on Friday, Trump called for the firing of NFL players who protest during the playing of the National Anthem. The President’s comments have drawn criticism from many inside the sport of football.

When asked whether he agreed with the Trump’s comments Harbaugh replied, “No, I don’t agree with the President. . . . Listen, that’s ridiculous. Check the Constitution.”

The NFL protests originated with Harbaugh’s former quarterback in San Francisco, Colin Kaepernick. Harbaugh has made comments regarding Kaepernick in the past, including in August of 2016, when he appeared to criticize Kaepernick before clarifying that he supported the motivation but not the method of the protests.

While Harbaugh has tended to not get involved in national politics, he has lent his time and image to certain discrete causes. For instance, earlier this year Harbaugh spoke at a Congressional briefing on the importance of funding the Legal Services Corporation, which supports legal aid organizations that provide free and reduced-cost legal services to those who are unable to afford them.