While national attention about the Wolverine football coach centers on NCAA investigations into minor infractions, what he brings to the college experience for his players is the most important story
Admiring Jim Harbaugh is easy. Appreciating what he has done for Michigan football and its players is a given. Understanding his ethics and integrity is another matter. If Michigan is guilty of the least of the allegations and Harbaugh wasn’t aware, it may only be questionable control over his program. If Michigan is proved to have violated the most serious charges, it will be impossible to defend his dereliction of duty in the court of public opinion. Some people want to equate the scandal with SMU’s death penalty infractions. Others correctly note that much of the evidence (that we know of) is circumstantial, exposing the loopholes in a grey area of compliance. Either way, Michigan doesn’t pass the eye test. As a Michigan fan, I am most concerned with the unprecedented leaks coming from the NCAA and the potential involvement of Jim Stapleton, an avowed Harbaugh-hater, who has a very shady past. Why Stapleton is on the NCAA Infractions Committee is a mystery, but if I’m Michigan, I challenge the evidence that was leaked is now tainted and inadmissible, and any penalties are biased and inflammatory. Regardless, this is a complete nightmare during what could have been a dream season.
Thanks so much, Jerry! You know what it's like to coach and, like all of us, wonder why all of this is getting all of this attention. Take care, my friend.
Admiring Jim Harbaugh is easy. Appreciating what he has done for Michigan football and its players is a given. Understanding his ethics and integrity is another matter. If Michigan is guilty of the least of the allegations and Harbaugh wasn’t aware, it may only be questionable control over his program. If Michigan is proved to have violated the most serious charges, it will be impossible to defend his dereliction of duty in the court of public opinion. Some people want to equate the scandal with SMU’s death penalty infractions. Others correctly note that much of the evidence (that we know of) is circumstantial, exposing the loopholes in a grey area of compliance. Either way, Michigan doesn’t pass the eye test. As a Michigan fan, I am most concerned with the unprecedented leaks coming from the NCAA and the potential involvement of Jim Stapleton, an avowed Harbaugh-hater, who has a very shady past. Why Stapleton is on the NCAA Infractions Committee is a mystery, but if I’m Michigan, I challenge the evidence that was leaked is now tainted and inadmissible, and any penalties are biased and inflammatory. Regardless, this is a complete nightmare during what could have been a dream season.
I always feel bad, Bob, for the players who get asked about this constantly. This should be a season of total joy. It will all sort out in the end.
I agree. The ones who have nothing to do with these issues are always the one impacted most.
Well said! As a veteran college coach I know firsthand how absurd this violations are. My issue is who is behind all of this? From a long time fan.
Thanks so much, Jerry! You know what it's like to coach and, like all of us, wonder why all of this is getting all of this attention. Take care, my friend.
So why do you think the NCAA is being so vindictive towards Harbaugh?