Paul Finebaum calls Michigan out for handling of Jim Harbaugh's absence in opening game
Paul Finebaum was not too happy about Michigan’s handling of Jim Harbaugh’s absence due to suspension. In case you missed it, the players had a lot to show off regarding the support of their head coach.
Quarterback JJ McCarthy wore a “Free Harbaugh” shirt, which was seen as he came off the team bus. Then, players lined up for the first play on the field in a straight line and held up four fingers, Harbaugh’s college jersey number.
Finebaum said it was a little over the top on opening weekend.
“Yeah, and this isn’t a case where the NCAA forbade a star for North Carolina or LSU from playing a game, this was agreed upon,” Finebaum said on the Matt Barrie Show. “This was self imposed. So I mean, Michigan fans, I realize you live in a different world up there in southern Canada, but the point being, talk to your athletic director or talk to your president, those are the cats that came up with that idea.”
Neither Harbaugh nor offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore coached Week 1, but Moore will return next week and be the acting head coach until Harbaugh finishes his three game suspension.
Perhaps this is the end of Michigan’s antics or it might continue for the next two games. It certainly brought attention to the situation and the players made it clear how they feel.
On the flip side of things, Finebaum makes a good point. This was indeed a self-imposed suspension.
More on Jim Harbaugh’s suspension and situation with the NCAA
The NCAA’s investigation into Harbaugh has taken a few turns. Just ahead of Big Ten Media Days, reports said he was facing a possible four-game suspension as a result of false statements amid recruiting violations.
Rumors and reports continued to swirl about the nature of the violations, and the NCAA released an unprecedented statement clarifying a cheeseburger wasn’t part of the inquiry.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman noted how rare it is for the NCAA to publicly address an ongoing investigation, but noted there’s “friction” between Michigan and the NCAA that could’ve played a role in it. If the Wolverines continue to do well, he thinks Harbaugh could speak out even more.
“I think, look, you also have a little bit of friction — maybe even more than a little — with Jim Harbaugh and Warde Manuel, the AD,” Feldman said on The Rich Eisen Show. “There’s a lot of stuff going on. I think you’ll see, especially as Jim Harbaugh and Michigan keep winning and keeps ascending this year, I think you’ll see Jim Harbaugh be very vocal and step on a lot of toes. It’ll be interesting to see how they keep the train on the tracks here.”