Michigan football: college football fans react to ‘Burgergate’

Over the past few days, the rumors of Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan football for the NFL have died down. In its place, ‘Burgergate’ has rocked the Ann Arbor news cycle. Here are some reactions from the college football world.

What is Burgergate?

‘Burgergate?’ is the nickname given to the current investigation on Michigan’s recruiting violations from 2020. According to sources, the Wolverines were hosting recruits on campus during the dead period in 2020 and the recruits “just happened” to stop by the same restaurant that Michigan’s coaching staff was eating at.

While there, Jim Harbaugh allegedly bought a recruit a hamburger, and according to many sources (including Chris Balas), the NCAA found a receipt.

Because Jim Harbaugh initially lied about the events, the NCAA is now launching a full investigation. Michigan football is facing one Level I violation (most-serious) and four Level II violations. Jim Harbaugh is also facing a suspension of up-to six games.

How is the college football community reacting?

Frankly, the college football community is not taking this news well. Not only are Michigan football fans upset, but just about everyone — including Ohio State and Michigan State fans — think that this is ridiculous. Was it wrong? Technically yes; however, the NCAA hardly regulates recruiting or NIL anymore, and of the things to crack down on, this is not it. Here are a few reactions from Michigan fans and more.

Jim Harburger

— Kailen (@MaizeCoachK) January 6, 2023

Michigan should no doubt be taking these violations seriously, but I low-key love the idea of Harbaugh being suspended, then coming back so pissed off that he wants revenge on everyone. A man on a mission to hoist the national championship trophy and tell everyone to shove it.

— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) January 6, 2023

The NCAA will ignore blatant cheating from the likes of Bill Self and hand him a trophy, allow schools to funnel money through churches for recruits, and turn a blind eye to schools offering family members of recruits jobs but they drop the hammer on zoom workouts ??

— MSU Chief of Propaganda (@OdellBretthamJr) January 6, 2023

Michigan fans:

Point me to the battlefield.

I’ll die on Hamburger Hill with you.

— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) January 6, 2023

Harbaugh being investigated for minor violations while other programs blatantly ignore NIL pay-for-play restrictions is outlandish. This screams corruption inside the NCAA. Someone with a seat at the table is upset at Michigan’s recent success and is targeting the program.

— Wolverine Chronicle (@WolverineChron) January 6, 2023

*Jim Harbaugh buys one (1) hamburger*

The NCAA: pic.twitter.com/EU33xlJQe8

— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) January 6, 2023

Texas drops $280k on recruiting Manning with airfare, 5-star hotel, drinks for his parents’ open bar, an ice sculpture and a lake cruise and it’s cool.

Jim Harbaugh buys a committed recruit a hamburger at Jug ($12 from experience) and it’s a violation… what are we doing.. https://t.co/1GGf2ihQgZ pic.twitter.com/P62Gg8lxMP

— John Bartman (@bartman_john84) January 6, 2023