One of Colin Kaepernick’s biggest cheerleaders is putting way the pom-poms when it comes to the quarterback’s refusal to stand for the national anthem.

Today, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about Kaepernick’s decision to sit for the anthem during the 49ers’ first three preseason games.

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

(UPDATE: Harbaugh took to Twitter to clarify his comment: “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.”)

Back to Gallery Harbaugh on Kaepernick: ‘I don’t respect the... 15 1 of 15 Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press 2 of 15 Photo: Stephen Lam, Special to The Chronicle 3 of 15 Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press 4 of 15 Photo: Joe Mahoney, Associated Press 5 of 15 Photo: Stephen Lam, Special to The Chronicle 6 of 15 Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle 7 of 15 Photo: Stephen Lam, Special to The Chronicle 8 of 15 Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press 9 of 15 Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press 10 of 15 Photo: Stephen Lam, Special to The Chronicle 11 of 15 Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press 12 of 15 Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press 13 of 15 Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press 14 of 15 Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press 15 of 15 Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press





























Harbaugh, of course, made Kaepernick the 49ers’ starter in the middle of the 2012 season and was unwavering in his support until his final season in 2014. In February, after Kaepernick was benched after eight starts in 2015, Harbaugh predicted Kaepernick would “flourish” this season.

On Sunday, Vikings guard Alex Boone, another former member of the 49ers’ organization, was sharply critical of Kaepernick.

“That flag obviously gives (Kaepernick) the right to do whatever he wants,” Boone said. “I understand it. At the same time, you should have some (expletive) respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.

“We’re out here playing a game, making millions of dollars. People are losing their life, and you don’t have the common courtesy to do that. That just drove me nuts.”

However, Kaepernick has received support from the NFL community. On Sunday, his teammates rallied behind him, while many acknowledged they didn’t necessarily agree with his actions following a meeting in which Kaepernick addressed the team.

“It takes a strong individual to stand up for what they believe in like that,” wide receiver Torrey Smith said. “And that’s a right that we have, so you have to respect it.”

Today, Eagles linebacker Myke Tavaress, an undrafted rookie from Incarnate Word, said he also plans to sit during the national anthem when the Eagles host the Jets on Thursday.

"In this situation, I've really got nothing to lose," Tavaress said. “I'm a rookie free agent, haven't signed any major contract, so there's not a lot of money on the line, I don't have any big endorsement deals on the line. Really what's at stake is my pride and what kind of man would I be and what kind of African-American would I be if I didn't stand my ground on this issue we have today?

“(It) needs to be done. Will there be backlash? Probably. I don't think anyone has bought my jersey yet, so I don't know if it's going to be burned, but it's a major issue and I'm definitely going to stand my ground for this one.”

Twitter: @Eric_Branch