In October, the NCAA President, Charlie Baker, who had recently assumed the position, found himself embroiled in a controversy surrounding the Michigan football program. The catalyst was information that suggested Michigan’s head coach, Jim Harbaugh, utilized staffer Connor Stalions for live scouting of opponents’ games. Baker promptly informed both the school and the Big Ten, triggering a chain of events fueled by conference commissioner Tony Petitti’s apparent animosity towards Harbaugh and Michigan.
Baker, in retrospect, defends his decision, asserting that he aimed to draw a line under any potential misconduct by Michigan before that point, emphasizing the team’s 7-0 record in the early part of the schedule. According to him, this move was intended to establish credibility for Michigan’s achievements in the aftermath. Despite the ensuing chaos, Baker believes that disclosing the information prevented placing everyone, including Michigan, in a precarious situation.
Michigan’s subsequent success unfolded with an impressive performance in the final eight games of the schedule. The Wolverines secured victories, clinching the Big Ten championship against Iowa, triumphing over Alabama in the Rose Bowl, and ultimately defeating Washington to claim the national title.
Baker, reflecting on his actions, expressed no regrets, noting that the information was already public, allowing teams to make necessary adjustments. He contends that, given the comprehensive nature of the information, concealing it would have been detrimental to all parties involved. While he stops short of echoing Harbaugh’s assertion of innocence, Baker maintains that Michigan’s on-field success validates their national title without the need for any asterisks.
Jim Harbaugh regarding cheating scandal: We’re Innocent pic.twitter.com/dxNuI733nA
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) January 9, 2024
In contrast, Harbaugh adamantly insists on Michigan’s innocence regarding the sign-stealing allegations. Despite serving a three-game suspension in connection with the scandal, he contends that the team did nothing wrong from the outset. Harbaugh, in a video posted by the Detroit Sports Podcast after the championship game, asserted that the off-field issues were baseless, emphasizing the team’s strength and resilience.
Baker, while not aligning with Harbaugh’s absolute stance, emphasizes that Michigan’s victory on the field against all odds solidifies their legitimacy. He dismisses the need for an asterisk, highlighting that Michigan emerged as the superior team in the championship game. Despite ongoing investigations by the NCAA and potential shifts in Harbaugh’s career path towards the NFL, the 2023 championship firmly belongs to the Wolverines, closing the chapter on a season that, according to Harbaugh, epitomized a “perfect 15-0” achieved through hard work, teamwork, and, perhaps, a few surprises.
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