49ers respond to President Obama’s concerns during Super Bowl week
ASSOCIATED PRESS January 28, 2013 5:49PM
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith talks with reporters during a news conference on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, in New Orleans. The 49ers are scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game on Feb. 3. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Updated: January 29, 2013 9:48AM
NEW ORLEANS — Several San Francisco 49ers say they would have no problem if their sons played football, even though President Obama has questioned the safety of the game.
During an interview Monday at the Super Bowl, All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith responded to a question about the president’s comments by saying anyone involved in the sport knows the requirements. Smith says, “It’s not like we signed up and thought we were going to play tennis.”
Guard Alex Boone says football has to be “physical,” and that if his children want to play, they can.
San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh joked about allowing his son Jack, now 4 months old, to follow in his footsteps; Harbaugh was an NFL quarterback for 14 seasons.
“If President Obama feels that way, then (there will) be a little less competition for Jack Harbaugh when he gets older,” the coach said.
