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Paul Finebaum weighs in on NCAA ‘piling on’ on Michigan, Jim Harbaugh’s NFL future

Rolando Rosa

By Rolando Rosa

Published:

Paul Finebaum shared his reaction dealing with the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan on the allegations of in-person scouting of other teams and illicit sign stealing.

The NCAA is now looking into low-level staffer Connor Stalions as a person of interest  for the investigation, and is requesting access to his computer, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The ESPN analyst believes Michigan might be under more scrutiny from the NCAA because Jim Harbaugh is recently coming off serving a suspension for recruiting violations.

“It’s hard for me to imagine that [the NCAA] will be able to make a solid case. … I sense that there’s some piling on here to Jim Harbaugh,” Finebaum said. “… If this had been someone else, this investigation probably would not have gotten to this point.”

Finebaum also thinks that Harbaugh could return to the pros at the conclusion of the 2023 campaign.

“I think he’s had enough of what this sport is really all about, the way it’s operated and the thin line that the NCAA uses to go after people,” Finebaum said. “Clearly, he is in their crosshairs.”

Former Wolverine and current ESPN analyst Desmond Howard also is perplexed by the case.

“The headline is more salacious than the content. That’s what I thought,” Howard said. “…We call that scouting. I didn’t even know that was a rule that you couldn’t go and watch a team play who you’re going to play against because that’s an NCAA rule. I had no idea.”

Harbaugh denies any involvement in the alleged situation and intends to cooperate with the NCAA’s investigation.

“I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment,” Harbaugh said in the statement.

In-state rival Michigan State contemplated not playing against visiting Michigan this weekend before reconsidering.

Michigan at Michigan State is set for a 7:30 p.m. EST kickoff on Saturday (NBC).

Rolando Rosa

Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.