San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has stated that there was no malice in a sideline collision between a member of his staff and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane.
The incident occurred the 49ers' defeat in the NFC championship game when Lane was forced into their sideline following a punt and the cornerback was restricted from access back to the field as he collided with the staff member.
"You don't know which way to go other than to hold your ground and protect yourself." Harbaugh told the Sacramento Bee. "His reaction would have been mine as well. I would welcome to be called and say the same thing on the record."
The 49ers crashed out of the playoffs in the championship game for the second time under Harbaugh's tenure.