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Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is a man of honestly and integrity.
At least, that’s Harbaugh would have you believe.
But in the midst of an NCAA investigation into Harbaugh and Wolverines over stealing signs from opposing teams, a 2015 quote from Harbaugh to a group of high school students has come to look a little bit ironic.
Harbaugh said the following when speaking to graduating students at Coronado High School in California.
“Be honest. You will have choices to make and where a dishonest edge can be gained. And whatever gain is made will be undermined sometime down the road. As our dad told us, flat out, never lie, never cheat, never steal, it won’t be worth it. It’s the basis of trust, which is the basis of all things. … The value of becoming a known person of character and integrity is priceless… Another piece from Judge Judy on honesty, if you tell the truth you don’t need a good memory.”
Yikes.
Now, Harbaugh’s point is actually pretty solid in a vacuum. But when you consider what he now stands accused of, it sounds pretty rich.
This is what Harbaugh had to say when when asked about the alleged sign stealing.
“I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter. 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.
Then there’s this clip from the ESPN special “Draft Academy”, where Harbaugh advises then Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston to be as honest as possible with NFL teams about past transgressions.
Clearly, honesty is something that Harbaugh values highly. Now, whether he values it the same way when he’s the one put on the spot remains to be seen.