OT- Jim Harbaugh Slur

Submitted by GoBlueScott on
I kind of hate to post this, seeing as the guy was my idol growing up, but with all the prattle about him on the board lately it seemed prudent. If you can't watch, he basically calls the refs
f--king a--hole faggots.
I can't imagine the Michigan faithful supporting that kind of behavior if he ever found himself coaching in Ann Arbor. EDIT: This thread is full of win.
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Jim Harbaugh

WolvinLA2

December 3rd, 2009 at 8:49 PM ^

He's a football coach. Even if he did say what you are accusing him of (which is far from a slam dunk), I've been called that by every football coach I've ever had. I'm not saying that coaches should talk like that, but if you wanted to hire a coach who never used that word or a comparable one you'd rule out nearly every guy who's ever watched football, let alone played or coached it.

Joined: 11/13/2009

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clarkiefromcanada

December 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 PM ^

Not like he's coming to Michigan, anyway. As an aside, *if* Harbaugh used a slur of that sort then I would wonder less if he is a bigot and more about his limited understanding of who he is working for at Stanford and what ideals and expectations he is supposed to represent. It's a liberal school on the west coast...do the math. So where does this fit in with Michigan? Regarding Harbaugh, a decent coach but nothing more...A reasoned analysis would relate to questions about his inability to demonstrate the required sort of judgment, integrity and class required of the head football coach at the University of Michigan. Language is about choices informed by many factors...but to cop out to emotion or so called "heat of the moment" is just weak. This is Michigan and we would and should expect more.

Joined: 11/20/2008

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quakk

December 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 PM ^

The Miami hockey team seems willing and able to do things differently: http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/burkes-son-miamiu-hockey When I was in graduate school at UCLA, I made a number of jokes that I had learned growing up were funny. One woman in particular just looked at me with a straight face and said, "That's not funny." Caused me to rethink my whole idea of what was funny. Just because it's how we've always done it doesn't mean a) it's right or b) there's not a better way. Excusing it or justifying it just allows it to continue.

Joined: 11/22/2008

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NOLA Wolverine

December 3rd, 2009 at 10:07 PM ^

For those of you arguing "heat of the moment," (Followed up with excusing drunks) I actually think that works in reverse. When your in a state like that your PC monitor goes out the window, and you say what you want to say. But, that has more meaning for thoughts expressed in this state, not single words. Even if he did say it, which no one can infer from the video, it was probably more about him looking for insults to spew than a hate for homosexuals.

Joined: 09/01/2009

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WildcatBlue

December 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 PM ^

I understand that what Harbaugh said is still up for debate, but in general: The fact that homophobia is the most acceptable form of bigotry in this era, particularly among young men, does not make it any less deplorable. A coach is held to a higher standard of behavior. He is an ambassador as well as a teacher. The fact that his colleagues and players may use slurs is all the more reason for him to find the courage to call it out for what it is and reprimand it. Real leadership has a moral dimension to it. Truman desegregated an armed forces that was not ready for it. There were grumbles, and growing pains, and even today there is undoubtedly some prejudice in the ranks. What is noteworthy is that you'll never, ever hear Petraeus or Colin Powell condone or apologize for that sentiment. That's progress.

Joined: 08/09/2008

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A Case of Blue

December 4th, 2009 at 2:12 AM ^

Just as an addendum to your very well-written post: there are, most likely, gay players in the locker room at Stanford. And Michigan. And just about every college and pro team out there. Why haven't (m)any of them come out? In part, no doubt, because homophobic language (and perhaps homophobia itself) are so deeply ingrained in "jock culture." The smattering of gay players who have come out have made it clear that they were not alone. I'd rather be a fan of a team, coach and/or institution that welcomes these players (out or not) as students and athletes just like any others, rather than one that doesn't.

Joined: 03/22/2009

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Captain Obvious

December 3rd, 2009 at 11:57 PM ^

Using that term is never acceptable. To argue otherwise, you must defend the CONTENT of the speech. Examples of completely non-responsive, fail arguments: - this is a common occurrence - but Bo said it! - it was the heat of the moment - maybe it was a one-time occurrence No. If you said any of these things, you fail. By this standard, context can justify ANY speech. Substitute the N word for the word "faggot." Are you still using the above arguments? Probably not. End result: "it's OK to use hate speech against gays." That's your argument.

Joined: 03/17/2009

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