Most analysts and fans are not satisfied with the NCAA’s punishment for Jim Harbaugh, Connor Stalions, and Michigan after a two-year-long investigation.
Paul Finebaum, being one of the most blunt critics of Harbaugh and Co. over their sign-stealing and cheating scandal, does not shy away from expressing his frustration over the situation time and time again.
During his recent appearance on “First Take,” Finebaum called out Harbaugh over his hypocrisy in the past for calling Kirby Smart and Nick Saban cheaters, while also calling the NCAA a “laughingstock,” as in the past they would’ve probably handed over a “death penalty” or would’ve shut the program of completely.
“He called Kirby Smart a cheater. He called Nick Saban a cheater. He went after a bunch of schools in the South. And now look at him and think about this. This is 2025. If you turn the clock back 25 years when the NCAA had some teeth and was a respected organization as opposed to a laughingstock, there is a reasonably good chance considering they had already been in the window that this program would have been shut down,” Finebaum said. (13:22)
“I’m talking death penalty. It’s only happened one time to SMU in the 80s. I think they are this close. And what does Harbaugh do? He high tails it out of town and makes 15 or $20 million a year. Good for him. He got out of there, but the show cost doesn’t matter because he’s not ever coming back to college football,” he added.
CFB Analyst Rips NCAA Over Jim Harbaugh, Michigan’s Latest Sanctions
Michigan is projected to give $30,000,000 in fines over its sign stealing scandal as a punishment from the NCAA. While it is a big amount, it is not really massive for a program like Michigan, who as Paul Finebaum say, gives a good quarterback that amount in today’s age.
Harbaugh, who is currently appointed as the LA Chargers head coach had a four-year show-cause from before and has now been given another 10 years on top, as a result of which he cannot come back to coach in college football for at least the next 14 years.
Talking about the punishments decided by the NCAA, Sports Illustrated writer Pat Forde shared his thoughts and said:
“The fine is legitimate. Probably going to be $30 million,” Pat Forde said (2:08). “It’s no small amount, that’s for sure, but this is the University of Michigan. Not exactly a poverty stricken university, and they’ll be just fine, I think out of this. As expensive as this is, it’s a win for Michigan. This season isn’t gonna be impacted any more than they already knew it would be, and they’re free to go about their business.”
Jim Harbaugh is heading into his second year as the Chargers’ head coach after ending his first season with an overall record of 11-6.
