Many believe that Jim Harbaugh got off easy when Michigan’s football team gave him a three-game suspension due to reported rule violations. But for Harbaugh, the suspension feels much more severe.
During a chat on Monday, the Michigan coach confessed he’s uncertain about how he’ll cope with missing the three games. He described his feelings about the suspension to Zach Shaw of 247 Sports with a vivid comparison.
“Some people call it a slap on the wrist. I’d liken it to a baseball bat to the kneecap.”
As someone deeply connected to Michigan, having been a quarterback for the Wolverines in the 1980s, this suspension clearly hits Harbaugh hard. Being away and not guiding the team’s strategy is surely a challenge for him.
However, this suspension might be a strategic move, aiming to potentially improve the situation with the NCAA, where Harbaugh faces more consequences.
The allegations against him involve recruitment and coaching missteps. On top of that, he’s accused of providing inaccurate statements to the NCAA regarding these issues.
The next steps involve a hearing, which means any further actions might be postponed until 2024.
Though Harbaugh might be troubled about missing out, the team seems poised for success. Starting the season as the second-best team in the country, trailing only the champion Georgia Bulldogs, the Wolverines are expected to perform well in their upcoming matches.