Jim Harbaugh Rips NCAA, Suggests Dropping Term 'Student-Athlete'

Jim Harbaugh has finally responded to the NCAA’s banning of satellite camps, and as with everything else Harbaugh-related, Jimmy went all-in.

For those who don’t know, Harbaugh took his Michigan staff around the country last summer and held a number of camps that allowed them to evaluate players in person while also giving them hands-on instruction. It is an arrangement that’s typically seen as good for both sides of the equation. Now the NCAA has banned satellite camps effective immediately. Coaches can only work at a camp if it is on their own campus.

Harbaugh told Sports Illustrated, “The incompetence of the NCAA has reared its ugly head yet again.” And he was just getting started.

Harbaugh said the ruling was “knee-jerk…like somebody was shaving in the morning, cut themselves when they were shaving and said, ‘Let’s just ban satellite camps.'”

He continued:

"“I mean, what’s it based on? A survey? There wasn’t a lot of discussion or study. What are the facts? What are the perils and merits of making that decision? It just seemed lacking in that regard.”"

These summer camps are a way for prospects to get as many eyes on them as possible and for college coaches to see as many potential players as they can. They give under-the-radar kids a chance to shine and get one-on-one time with top-level college coaches. In addition that, many underprivileged kids don’t have the means to fly all over the country to go to on-campus camps at big time schools.

Harbaugh pointed out the NCAA’s hypocrisy in not giving as many kids as possible a chance to succeed:

"“During the NCAA basketball tournament we discuss the term ‘student-athlete’ ad nauseam in promoting our governing institution and our member institutions. Then, when we have an opportunity to truly promote the ‘student-athlete’ with a concept shared by educators and football men from all backgrounds, our leadership goes into hiding. “I suggest we drop the term ‘student-athlete’ for consistency.”"

He then targeted the ACC and SEC:

"“It seems to be outrage by the SEC and ACC, They power-brokered that out…the image that comes to my mind is guys in a back room smoking cigars, doing what they perceive is best for them. It certainly isn’t the best thing for the youngsters. It’s not the best thing for the student-athletes.”"

Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze recently said, “I’m away from my family enough, and I just did not want to go. Harbaugh answered that quote with some serious venom:

"“You’ve got a guy sitting in a big house, making $5 million a year, saying he does not want to sacrifice his time. That is not a kindred spirit to me. What most of these coaches are saying is they don’t want to work harder.”"

As ridiculous as Harbaugh is in most cases, it’s hard not to completely agree with him here.