Michigan Star Zak Zinter’s Season-Ending Injury Amplifies Coach Jim Harbaugh’s Call for Fair Player Compensation

The Michigan Wolverines stand tall as the undefeated powerhouse as they await their championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes. But amidst the celebration, Michigan also faced a setback as their star player Zak Zinter suffered a grave leg injury in the third quarter. Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s heart resonated for college players as they risk themselves getting hurt every time they play but don’t get the financial credit to back up their injuries. 

College athletes, like Zak Zinter, aren’t paid directly by schools. They have to rely on NIL and endorsement deals. This seems unfair for Jim Harbaugh who advocates fair player compensation. While the Big Ten rakes in millions per year, it’s usually the coaches and the program facilities that benefit from the earnings. This is not the first time the 59-year-old coach has spoken out about this issue. 

Jim Harbaugh pleads for fair compensation for players

Coach Harbaugh isn’t just talking the talk, he’s walking the walk as well. The Michigan vs. Ohio State game drew a lot of hype from fans nationwide. But the season-ending injury incurred by Michigan’s offensive lineman Zac Zinter clouded the fans’ and players’ celebrations. According to Zinter’s mother, he suffered a broken tibia and fibula and had to undergo surgery.

Following the injury, head coach Jim Harbaugh has something to say about players’ compensation. He asked why anyone would be “against players being compensated for what they do” whether or not there’s an injury.

The head coach went on to say that these players are out there playing for the world while benefiting people financially through their TV shows. He wishes other coaches to cooperate to financially improve the situation of these student-athletes and added, “That was another thought that I had, and I just don’t know who could be against that.” 

He’s not only using his voice to stand for the student-athletes but is even willing to cut down his annual $7.63 million salary if players are to be compensated. During a Zoom call for previewing the Big Ten championship game, he stated, “I would take less money for the players to have a share. I hope other coaches would use their voice to express the same thing.“

The recent statement by Jim Harbaugh about paying college players isn’t the first time he raised his voice on the matter. He has spoken about this issue beginning in 2020. Just a few months ago, he raised the same subject, challenging other head coaches to do the same and make a difference for their players. 

Coach Harbaugh’s noble plea

Considering the amount of money their games are generating, Jim Harbaugh has talked about “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in the past. One of his most direct statements is – “Don’t exclude the student-athletes from the profits. My opinion, you can’t say you’re about diversity, equity, and inclusion, if you aren’t willing to include the student-athletes in revenue sharing.“

Harbaugh has been bringing up the idea of revenue sharing since 2020, saying he wants to be a voice for the student-athletes in speaking up about what he believes is a big change necessary for the NCAA to move forward and continue to evolve.

READ MORE: After Disheartening Loss to Michigan, Ohio State Players Console Kyle McCord on the Way to Locker Room

Many people are taking his statements against the NCAA and its existing regulations, as the reason why he’s facing such a harsh evaluation regarding the sign-stealing allegations leveled against him. Following the last victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes, Harbaugh is free from his 3-game suspension.

The Michigan head coach will finally be able to hype his team on the sideline in their next matchup against Iowa to compete for the Big Ten Championship title. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Coach Jim Harbaugh Sets The Record Straight On Michigan’s Sign-Stealing Incident