Old Rival Attacks Jim Harbaugh, Accused Of Dodging NCAA Investigation, Hypocrisy

The Michigan Wolverines are still embroiled in an NCAA investigation regarding potential NCAA violations related to sign stealing, Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger reported that the program plans to fight the charges involved with Connor Stalions.

This development has brought renewed attention to past statements made by current Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh during his tenure as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. In a video that has resurfaced on social media, Harbaugh, known for his passionate and sometimes controversial remarks, made a statement that some may now find particularly relevant to the current situation.

“You always want to be above approach,” Harbaugh said. “Especially when you’re good because you don’t want people coming back and saying ‘Oh they’re winning because they’re cheating.’ We want to be above the approach in everything, play by the rules. If you cheat to win then you’ve already lost.”

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, seemingly seizing on the opportunity, took to X to question Harbaugh’s decision to pursue an NFL coaching opportunity after leading Michigan to a national championship.

Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh Accused Of Fleeing NCAA Due To Ethics Investigation

Shortly after his initial tweet, Bielema unearthed another video clip featuring Harbaugh, this time emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity, particularly for those in leadership positions.  

In the video, Harbaugh, in his characteristically passionate style, used a personal anecdote involving his favorite daytime television judge to illustrate the importance of always telling the truth.

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Bielema’s response to this second video was brief and enigmatic, consisting of only emojis.

“Be honest,” Harbaugh said. “Tell the truth. If I want them to tell the truth then I have to tell the truth all the time when you’re in a leadership position. Judge Judy, I got 90 episodes of Judge Judy tivo’ed on my TV and that’s what I watch. One thing about her courtroom is — if you lie in Judge Judy’s courtroom, it’s over.”

The recent exchange between Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing NCAA investigation into potential recruiting violations at the University of Michigan.

Their lone head-to-head matchup occurred in 2022, resulting in a narrow victory for the Wolverines. This hard-fought win, which came just a week before the crucial Ohio State game, ultimately contributed to Michigan’s Big Ten Championship and subsequent College Football Playoff appearance, though they ultimately fell to TCU in the semifinals.

Harbaugh has since returned to the NFL, accepting the head coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers. This move has not gone unnoticed by Bielema, who has publicly questioned Harbaugh’s decision to leave Michigan amidst the ongoing NCAA investigation.  

Bielema’s social media commentary, while undoubtedly entertaining, is likely to further fuel the ongoing debate surrounding the allegations.