As much as the NFL cares about case law (and arguably doesn’t), the NCAA’s action against former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh could prompt the league to take action against current Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh.
So we asked the league whether the sanctions imposed on former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor would lead to action against Harbaugh.
The NFL declined to comment on the matter.
The question arose after the NCAA issued a decision Four-year “show cause” order Against Harbaugh, for recruiting violations during the Covid shutdowns and his cooperation (or lack thereof) in the investigation. The result is essentially a four-year suspension from college football.
It has not yet been determined what punishment, if any, Harbaugh may face in connection with the Connor Stallions sign-stealing scandal.
Harpo’s attorney, Tom Mars, This statement was issued (In gold letters on a pale blue background) Regarding the NCAA sanction: “Today’s decision by the Investigative Committee, in my view, is like being in college and getting a letter from your high school telling you that you have been suspended because you did not sign the yearbook. If I were Coach Harbaugh and had an $80 million contract as the head coach of the Chargers, I would not care about the outcome of a sham court that claims to represent the principles of the most blatant violator of federal antitrust laws in the country.”
He’s right, as long as the NFL has decided to ignore the Tressel/Bryer precedent. Last year, the NFL’s media group reported that the league Action can be taken against Harpo.If/when the NCAA does so.
Ultimately, the NFL will do whatever it wants. Because if I’ve learned anything in the last 23 years of covering the NFL on a daily basis, that’s the way the NFL usually does things.
“Coffee ninja. Web fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast. Professional creator.”