SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh continued his strong stance in support of his quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, during his weekly Wednesday press conference at the team’s practice facility.
Kaepernick was fined $11,025 fine for using “inappropriate language,” now verified as being the “N” word by Chicago Bears defensive end Lamarr Houston, following a fourth-quarter interception in the 49ers’ 28-20 loss on Sept. 14.
Kaepernick has appealed the fine.
Kaepernick denied he said anything “racially derogatory” to Houston, who initially said he didn’t hear anything after the two appeared to jaw a bit following the interception.
When asked Wednesday to comment on Houston’s insistence this week that he had indeed directed a “racially derogatory” phase at the defensive end, Kaepernick blurted” “I’ve addressed that and we’re on to (Sunday’s game against) the Eagles.”
Harbaugh elaborated.
“I’ve never heard Colin use that word and I’ve never heard him lie,” the 49ers coach said.
Asked then if he would consider Houston’s recollection of the incident to be inaccurate, Harbaugh took it a step further.
“I think what I think,” he said. “I’m very tuned to hearing that word, and I’ve never heard him use it.”
The official who flagged Kaepernick for unsportsmanlike conduct, side judge Laird Hayes, wouldn’t specifically say what he heard that warranted the penalty.
But he told CSNBayArea.com that Kaepernick “knows what he said. It was the right call.”
The Bears scored on their first offensive play after the interception to take a lead they never relinquished while spoiling the 49ers’ debut at Levi’s Stadium.
After Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported Kaepernick used a racial slur, Houston told the Chicago Tribune that was true, although the veteran downplayed the significance of the exchange.
“He was just saying inappropriate language,” Houston told the Tribune. When asked if he was insulted by it, Houston replied it was a “cultural thing.”
Houston did not define what he meant by “cultural thing.” He is black and, although Kaepernick identifies himself as black, his heritage is also half Czech and Irish and he was adopted and raised by a Caucasian family.
Hayes, an educator who carries the title Dr. Laird Hayes, is Caucasian and will be 65 years old on Oct. 3.
Houston did not change his story on what happened against the 49ers until after he was flagged for inappropriate language Monday night against the New York Jets.
Houston said the official thought he was cussing at Jets running back Chris Johnson when the player contends he just shouted at him to “back up.”
NFL officials were told this year to more closely monitor inappropriate language during games.
