Paul Finebaum claims "sports world is going to turn its nose in disgust" if Jim Harbaugh wins national championship amid sign-stealing controversy

Paul Finebaum, a prominent college football analyst, blasted Michigan coach, Jim Harbaugh, by saying that the second-ranked Wolverines' season is "tainted" by the school's sign-stealing scandal. Michigan are ranked second in the Big 10 Conference's East Division.

The NCAA, the governing body of college sports, is investigating to ascertain whether Michigan employed technology to steal signs from opposing teams. Doing such a thing is a clear violation of NCAA rules. The controversy continues to evolve, with new revelations emerging almost daily.

It has already led to the resignation of Michigan's director of football operations, Tony Petitti, who was accused of being involved in the scheme.

"Everything that happens from here on with [Michigan] is going to be tainted. ... If Michigan wins the national championship and Jim Harbaugh is given that trophy, I think the rest of the sports world is going to turn its nose in disgust, Finebaum said on 'Get Up ESPN."

Finebaum's comment underlines the gravity of the allegations against Michigan. Should the NCAA find substantial evidence of wrongdoing, the program could face severe penalties, including the loss of scholarships, bans from postseason play and even the nullification of wins.

Jim Harbaugh's potential suspension amid the sign-stealing scandal

While the NCAA does not explicitly prohibit in-game sign-stealing, orchestrating such activities before games is subject to penalties.

Former Michigan analyst Connor Stalions is accused of coordinating these pre-game sign-stealing efforts, and his involvement has already cost him his job at the university.

The big question revolves around Jim Harbaugh's involvement and responsibility in the matter. Stalions maintains that he acted alone, but the degree of Harbaugh's knowledge about the scheme remains uncertain.

If it is determined that Harbaugh was aware of or allowed the sign-stealing to occur under his watch, he may face suspension.

The Big Ten, Michigan's conference, has taken the first steps toward potential disciplinary action, given that most schools in the conference were directly affected by the alleged sign-stealing.

However, the NCAA has also launched its investigation, potentially expediting the disciplinary proceedings. With the Wolverines maintaining their hopes for a national championship, this case has garnered substantial public attention, making it one of the most closely watched developments in college sports this season.