Paul Finebaum calls Jim Harbaugh’s unapologetic statement a “middle finger” as NCAA gives him a 4-year show cause order

College football analyst Paul Finebaum has criticized former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh for his unapologetic statement, two days before the NCAA handed him a four-year, show-cause order for impermissible contact with recruits and players during the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday.

Harbaugh, who left Michigan to coach the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, has maintained his innocence despite being banned from college-level coaching until August 2028.

On ESPN's "First Take" on Thursday, Finebaum offered his thoughts on Harbugh's silence in response to the NCAA's ban. He also slammed the NCAA for not dishing out more serious punishment to the coach.

"What's so absurd is that the NCAA is letting Jim Harbaugh off the hook," Finebaum said. "I mean, this is a guy who has lied and obfuscated. He's displaying sociopathic behavior. But instead, everyone loves him. We're wrapping our arms around Jim saying, 'Way to go, Jim. You made the NCAA look like the fools that they are.' And that's really the tragedy in this."

"Jim Harbaugh won," Finebaum said. "It doesn't matter how many rules he violated. It doesn't matter how despicable his character has been. It doesn't matter how many times he has lied. He got away with it. And his statement the other day was basically the middle finger to everyone. And he's living happily ever after out there on the West Coast."

Amid the developments concerning the ban, the Chargers coach didn't want to get too drawn into the matter when he was asked about it after his team's training camp session on Thursday.

"I'm stopping the engagement there with commenting. My only hope is that one day college athletics will be about what's best for the young men and young women who participate. That's really all I have to say about it," Harbaugh said.

Jim Harbaugh's unapologetic statement grabbed headlines earlier this week

During a press conference on Monday, Jim Harbaugh said he had no reason to apologize, as he denied having any knowledge of the impermissible scouting operation that threw shade on Michigan's national title win last season.

“Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal. I was raised with that lesson. I have raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams I’ve coached. No one’s perfect. If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right,” Harbaugh said.

“Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate. I was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations. So for me, it’s back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”

Harbaugh led Michigan to its first national title since 1997 last season. The team went undefeated but was accused of stealing signals from opposing teams to gain an advantage.

Now, Harbaugh's focus will be on leading the Chargers to glory in the upcoming NFL season.