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Jim Harbaugh weighs in on Fair Pay to Play Act
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
Sports reporter has been asking just about every college football coach to share his thoughts on California’s new Fair Pay to Play Act over the last week. On Monday, it was Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh’s turn to share his opinions on the matter.
Based on a few tweets from reporters present at Harbaugh’s press conference Monday, the Michigan man provided some “insightful” answers on the subject. Most notably, Harbaugh said he thinks players should be able to leave after any year they would like, and if they go undrafted, they should be able to return to school and finish their degree.
https://twitter.com/max_marcovitch/status/1181240620129476609?s=21
Harbaugh gives a pretty insightful answer about California's Fair Pay Act. He says that he thinks it would be fair to not restrict players from going pro whenever they want.
— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) October 7, 2019
Harbaugh did also say though, that he would like college sports to remain at the amateur level.
Harbaugh on why he wants college sports to retain its amateur status: i like the fact that there are 38 sports on campus… I like that guys and girls can participate in athletic competition and receive a scholarship
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) October 7, 2019
Harbaugh says scholarships are worth well over $100k each. If they want to compensate players, maybe they have to cut those in half and allow those players to be compensated more. Still grappling with financial feasibility of it all.
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) October 7, 2019
Harbaugh is rather forward thinking when it comes to issues like these likely because he is searching for an edge in recruiting. With that in mind, it’s not at all surprising to hear Harbaugh is more liberal when it comes to compensation for college players.