Jim Harbaugh has become more candid over the years. While sometimes he can be fairly short-winded when answering questions, there are other instances when he’s willing to give a more honest opinion.

That was the case during the Pardon My Take podcast.

Harbaugh, who dealt with multiple players skipping Michigan’s Peach Bowl appearance last year, was asked for his thoughts on players sitting out of postseason games. Specifically, the UM leader was asked whether or not it hurts the game.

“Yeah, I do, and I think it hurts somebody’s actual legacy, too,” Harbaugh said. “Just what they’re about. A competitor is going to compete. Everybody talks about it; they’re a competitor; I’m a competitor, I’ll compete at everything. I’ll compete at golf or I’ll compete at Tiddlywinks. You hear people say that all the time, but then they don’t go actually play in a football game.

“To me, now you have a problem with who you are as a competitor and your legacy.”

Several key players skipped Michigan’s Peach Bowl appearance last season. Linebacker Devin Bush, defensive lineman Rashan Gary, running back Karan Higdon and offensive lineman Juwann Bushell-Beatty all chose to sit for the contest.

While Harbaugh doesn’t agree with it, he said he respected their decisions.

Clearly, he thinks it’s a problem with the game. But, unless something changes with the College Football Playoff or bowl game system, high-profile athletes will likely continue to skip those postseason contests.