Jim Harbaugh supports players who raised fists during national anthem

Multiple Michigan players elected to raise their fists during the national anthem prior to the Wolverines' home game against Penn State on Saturday, and head coach Jim Harbaugh supported his players during the postgame press conference, according to Dan Murphy of ESPN.

"I've been thinking a lot about this over the last four, five, six weeks," Harbaugh said following Michigan's 40-19 victory. "Because I am the football coach doesn't mean I can dictate to people what they believe. I support our guys. I think this is something, it's not going away, it's gonna keep happening."

Among the players who raised their fists were cornerback Jourdan Lewis, linebackers Mike McCray, Elysse Mbem-Bosse and Devin Bush, and fullback Khalid Hill. Lewis said that a small group had discussed during the week the idea of a display, but did not wish to pressure anyone to join them.

"I have a platform," Lewis said. "Regardless of anything, I'm going to stand up for injustice. That wasn't disrespecting anything. I love this university. I love this country, but things can get better."

Harbaugh claimed he had no knowledge of Lewis and company's plans before the game. Harbaugh also stated that he believes in his team and everything they embrace.

"If something is not good for somebody on the team, then we talk about it and we get it fixed together, as a team," Harbaugh said. "Those are the things I believe. But that doesn't mean that just because I'm a football coach that I can tell other people what to believe or what to think. I support people speaking their own mind and saying what they believe."