Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh made his weekly appearance on the Big Ten coaches conference call, answering various questions from media members. Harbaugh spoke about Michigan players protesting the National Anthem, Devin Bush, the Michigan defense, Wilton Speight and more.
The transcript of quotes from Harbaugh's Big Ten coaches conference call is below. The paraphrased and shortened questions are bolded, with Harbaugh's answers in quotes below. The order is as asked during the conference call.
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On Devin Bush And The Defense:
"He's been very competent. Great improvement, but came in as a really good player. Playing a backup and a special teamer as a freshman. Has grown and grown. I would expect that he would continue to get better the more he sees things. He'll be more competent the more playing time he gets. Benefitting from playing with Mike McCray. [McCray] is always in the right place, great student of the game. Has the instincts. They've become a good tandem, good for Bush to play with McCary. The attention Rashan Gary is getting helps. The play of Chase Winovich helps too. The way the front guys are playing helps the linebacker. It’s a team effort, a team system that Don Brown has. At the front of the list is Devin Bush.
On The Defense (Especially Against Purdue):
"It’s been good. They’re getting off the field. This past ball game, [several] three-and-outs. That's great, giving the ball back to the offense who was controlling the ball. In the 3rd quarter, there was the 80-yard drive, had the ball for 10-plus minutes. I can't remember exactly what it was in the 4th quarter, another 10 or 11 minutes. No one can get yards on you when you're controlling the ball, because your defense isn't out there. For this past ball game."
On The Big Ten's Response To Harbaugh's Locker Rooms Comments:
"I don’t know. Our AD addressed. Warde [Manuel] told me it’s on the AD agenda for October. My Feelings are well known. I think it should be addressed right away. We’re gonna look into ourselves first, as I said. It should be addressed by the Big Ten. Went out of my way to make it clear it's not just Purdue ... I’ve been in hundreds of locker rooms ... It's unacceptable. If someone says it is, then they don’t subscribe to the same level of acceptable. We feel it’s important to speak out this, for the player's safety, welfare. All players who are in intercollegiate football. Want to speak out about their safety and health … think it’s our responsibility to do that."
On Conversations He's Had About Protest:
"Personal conversations ... The gist of it is you respect what somebody believes and have respect for them to address the anthem as they believe and see fit.
On If He'd Allow Players To Protest In Some Form During The Anthem:
"I would respect their right to do so."
On Wilton Speight's Health:
"If we were playing a game this week, he wouldn’t be able to play. He’s hopeful to get back as soon as possible."
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