Jim Harbaugh Fight Proves Winning Doesn't Teach Class

Jim Harbaugh is a classless winner. I understand that Harbaugh was excited about his team's thrilling last second victory, but that doesn't give him the right to throw sportsmanship out the window. 

When time expired and the 49ers had officially beaten the previously undefeated Detroit Lions, Harbaugh began jumping around like a gymnast and it was clear, at that moment, his mind stayed on the sideline as his body bounded onto the field.

I have no problem with Harbaugh's exuberance in the moment. I think it is best for a coach to demonstrate a higher level of composure—especially in regard to a regular season win—but the celebration did not cross the lines of sportsmanship.

Harbaugh flew over that line, however, when shaking Lions' coach Jim Schwartz's hand. Harbaugh appeared lost in euphoria as he shook Scwartz's hand and hit him on the back with a blow that would knock some people over.

Harbaugh has to realize that the high of victory he was experiencing was the exact opposite of what Schwartz was experiencing.

The postgame handshake was mandated by the NFL to display good sportsmanship. Harbaugh lost all track of this as he was selfishly immersed in his own world. At that moment, he was not just celebrating his own victory, but rubbing it in the face of the opposition.

There is no need for this in the NFL. Harbaugh needs to be in better control of himself, at least enough to calm himself down for the few moments of acknowledging a coach for a game well-played.