The Michigan Wolverines cheated this season and in previous seasons. That doesn’t diminish the fact that they still have a darn good football team (currently 10-0 and ranked No. 3), but even in its letter to the Big Ten arguing for head coach Jim Harbaugh’s three-game suspension — Michigan did not and could not deny the cheating allegations.
Former staffer Connor Stallions’ spy network was against the rules. For God’s sake, he and others were illegally filming the opposing team’s sidelines in rival stadiums. We also know that Michigan coaches were aware of this, though it’s unclear how far up the chain it all went at this point.
There was certainly enough reason for the Big Ten to suspend Harbaugh — who is supposed to be in charge of this circus — but Michigan’s reaction to the suspension has been entitled and self-referential, to say the least.
The university has fought accountability tooth and nail, almost as if they are surprised that the Big Ten would punish them for cheating. Fans? If you value your blood pressure, don’t even bother visiting the message boards.
Michigan has been acting as if it is the victim. The Wolverines are expert victims.
With the way he talked about Harbaugh after Penn State’s win, you’d think interim head coach Sherrone Moore was crying about a recently deceased friend.
With all of that in mind, SEC analyst and college football analyst Paul Finebaum leveled an accurate charge against the Wolverines.
“This is the most obnoxious fanbase in America,” ESPN’s Finebaum (h/t On3) said. “This is a fanbase that believes the world revolves around the University of Michigan football team.” You can’t judge a university based on who tweets about it, but I will.
“What, one and a half national championships in about 70 years?” While we were talking, Alabama and Georgia each won a game. And they’re all looking down… It’s a good public school, no big deal! However, its football program has become almost comical in terms of what it is attempting to represent out there.”
Finebaum is correct; it is amusing. The Wolverines are attempting to construct a “Michigan vs. Everyone” narrative, while Harbaugh, shockingly and hilariously, believes Michigan is “America’s Team.”
It’s just obnoxious, but Harbaugh might have a point.
Cheating, lying, and playing the victim are all unacceptable. Can it get any more American?
