Jim Harbaugh Comments on Satellite Camp Ban, Calling Players 'Student-Athletes'

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has been among the most vocal supporters of satellite camps, but a recent NCAA ban of the showcases has the khaki-clad boss steaming. 

In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Michael Rosenberg released Tuesday, Harbaugh said with regard to the newly imposed ban, "The incompetence of the NCAA has reared its ugly head yet again," and added the ruling was "knee-jerk...like somebody was shaving in the morning, cut themselves when they were shaving and said, 'Let's just ban satellite camps.'"

The Southeastern Conference originally proposed the ban after notable Big Ten programs such as Michigan and Penn State held camps "in the South and regions rich in recruiting prospects," according to ESPN.com's Mitch Sherman.  

However, Harbaugh told Rosenberg he didn't agree with the decision, namely because it stripped underprivileged prospects of a chance to showcase their capabilities in front of an audience they ordinarily wouldn't be able to reach.     

"It seems to be outrage by the SEC and ACC," Harbaugh said. "They power-brokered that out...the image that comes to my mind is guys in a back room smoking cigars, doing what they perceive is best for them. It certainly isn't the best thing for the youngsters. It's not the best thing for the student-athletes."

Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee was among those who noted proponents and opponents of satellite camps ultimately failed to do right by the athletes:

"This is going to affect thousands and thousands of people," Harbaugh added, per Rosenberg.

Harbaugh also took exception with the term "student-athlete," since he believes the NCAA is shying away from making a commitment to players who commit themselves to upholding positive academic standing as a way to eventually get a foot in the door through camps:

"

During the NCAA basketball tournament we discuss the term 'student-athlete' ad nauseam in promoting our governing institution and our member institutions. Then, when we have an opportunity to truly promote the 'student-athlete' with a concept shared by educators and football men from all backgrounds, our leadership goes into hiding.

I suggest we drop the term 'student-athlete' for consistency.

"

Harbaugh's points are compelling, but resistance from high-profile bosses in every Power Five conference but the Big Ten ultimately squashed the camps as a way to limit perceived recruiting edges certain schools gained. 

But even though the camps are a thing of the past for now, one thing's for sure: This won't be the last time we hear Harbaugh's opinion on the topic.