Jim Harbaugh says hit on 49ers sideline was not malicious

Jim Harbaugh did his best ‘these aren’t the droids you’re looking for‘ impression at his Tuesday press conference when the subject of the controversial sideline collision in Seattle was brought up. Harbaugh was asked about the play, which fans are still debating over, but he insisted that there was really nothing to talk about.

Harbaugh directly addressed the incident, which saw an unnamed 49ers employee take out a member of the Seahawks during the NFC Championship game. While some are calling it a cheap shot, Harbaugh described it as a ‘bang-bang’ play that not many people could have reacted faster to.

Per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee:

"“It was bang-bang. I could be called for a witness on that,” Harbaugh said. “… You don’t know which way to go other than to hold your ground and protect yourself. His reaction would have been mine as well. I would welcome to be called and say the same thing on the record.”"

Seahawks fans will describe the play a little differently than Harbaugh did, but the Niners coach had a point. The incident happened very fast, and with the gift of hindsight we can all say we’d react differently.