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Jim Harbaugh calls criticism of Florida trip 'comical'

By The Sports Xchange

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh calls the criticism of his plans to take the Wolverines to Florida to practice during spring break "comical."

The shots first came from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and then ACC commissioner John Swofford after Harbaugh announced plans to take the Wolverines to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., for four practices.

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On Friday, NCAA president Mark Emmert voiced his disapproval as he addressed the University of South Carolina board of trustees.

"I guess (Sankey) is stating a case, but it doesn't hold water to me," Harbaugh told the Detroit Free Press on Friday. "It's not an addition of time; it's the same amount of time. It's 20 hours. We'll be on the same rules and guidelines every other team will be under on spring practice.

"I think there's been some humor about it. I think it's comical that he's taken exception to it."

The 20 hours is the NCAA-mandated limit for football-related activities (practice and meetings), but Emmert stands with the SEC.

"I think that's very misguided. I think that's a very bad idea," Emmert said Friday. "They need to refresh, need rejuvenation. They need a break from it.

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"There is nothing he is doing that is against the rules. If the membership wants to change the rules, they need to do so."

Harbaugh said his team is looking forward to the trip scheduled for Feb. 28-March 4 in Florida before returning to Ann Arbor to finish spring camp.

The Wolverines wrap up their 15th and final spring practices on April 1 with their annual spring game, which will be held at night for the first time.

"There's a lot of teams that travel to the state of Florida, to Arizona, softball team, baseball teams, and I bet if you researched I bet some of those teams do that in their offseason, the fall," Harbaugh told the Free Press. "So I think it's going to be a great use of our time. Our guys are all excited about it. There hasn't been one complaint from any of our players. We're looking forward to a good week."

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