NCAA's "punishment deferral" relative to Harbaugh, UM, & NCAA itself
The NCAA's "punishment deferral" of coach Harbaugh and UM is effectively greater punishment than the initial agreed-upon sanction itself. While the NCAA publicly discusses the case (violating their own rule), and perpetuates the topic to the 2024 season, coach Harbaugh declines to comment, abiding by the very rule the NCAA self violates. The NCAA has intentionally and effectively created a "cloud of negatively" that has become a media focus, and is a punishment in itself. This cloud has detrimental potential to overshadow our coach, program, and university. Hopefully, coach(es), players, recruits, and families are able to overcome the intentional negativity created by the NCAA's "punishment deferral," and now being perpetuated by media and rival athletic institutions. The NCAA, in choosing this passive-aggressive stance, succeeds only in proving itself to be an ignorant, vengeful, impotent bully. Meanwhile, the collegiate athletic world evolves from NCAA influence and control. The NCAA's handling of UM has a desperate, pathetic look, and may prove to be a milestone in the NCAA's continuing demise.
August 15th, 2023 at 4:15 PM ^
Two things - first, Harbaugh was "above board" and clearly communicated to prospects and staff - there was no "bait and switch" - he was straightforward and candid.
Second, what percentage of highly regarded prospects would be interested in developing with a coach that has NFL experience - or - that the NFL expresses regular interest in? My guess, it's a pretty high number.
August 15th, 2023 at 4:53 PM ^
I think our entire recruiting department is subpar. If this was a real issue you think we would have these 30 plus potential starters line up frothing at the mouth to play? Players would be jumping ship well before recruits. No its not any of this NCAA stuff. If you are negative recruiting us and we are undefeated against you for 2+ season you are just looking like a whiny bitch. PSU, OSU, Iowa, Wisconsin Etc. Bama and Georgia dont need to negative recruit us they just pick their top 25 players.
August 15th, 2023 at 3:00 PM ^
That hue of purple prose seems a little bit out of your reach.
August 15th, 2023 at 3:14 PM ^
Reading the comments - specifically, an analyst working with a player via Zoom - something that happened in the not so distant past came to mind.
It was a few years ago - IIRC - in July, prior to the date when fall camps began - and a period when coaches are prohibited from working directly with players.
The situation - a player uploaded a video of him working with his position coach earlier that day. The coach was providing instruction on what the player should do - technique - etc. The player and coach were from Columbus - and, on Saturdays wore scarlet and gray. The point is - this was during a time where coach / player contact was prohibited. It was on IG, FB, or another social platform. What did the NCAA do? I believe, nothing...
Yes - the NCAA is such a consistent group when it comes to enforcement and treating all schools equally & equitably.
August 15th, 2023 at 3:24 PM ^
I do vaguely recall that. Link?
August 15th, 2023 at 3:40 PM ^
Ask, and you may receive. Here's a link: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/29608850/michigan-jim-harbaugh-accuses-buckeyes-ryan-day-breaking-rules
My original comment might require revision - it seems it was a photo that was posted, not a video.
This link also references "hanging a hundred" - a quote which I appreciate more every day.
August 15th, 2023 at 3:22 PM ^
I don’t think the fact that this makes them look bad really matters to the NCAA at this point. They are past that point of no return, they know whatever credibility they have is waning by the day, so It looks like they’ve dug in, and are willing to go down with the ship if it means they get their pound of flesh, one way or the other.
One last victory before they fade into nothingness
The only way the NCAA can hurt you these days is if you let them. Michigan let the proverbial fox into the henhouse, and these bastards don’t want to leave without a few hens to show for it.
For the NCAA to flip out over something like this, and to go to the lengths it’s going, it just feels like it must be very, very personal for someone over at that office.
August 15th, 2023 at 3:35 PM ^
Jim and U of M are counting on LIV, or some other organization, to take over the NCAA before next season, making this all a moot point.
August 15th, 2023 at 7:03 PM ^
Not worried about it, just win.
August 16th, 2023 at 1:07 AM ^
When Finebaum is speaking on behalf of Harbaugh, you know NCAA shot itself in the foot.
August 16th, 2023 at 7:10 PM ^
At least Harbaugh does not have to serve a suspension this season. Next year it may become a nothing burger. The University has to tell the NCAA to F*ck off.