Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz's post-game spat following the 49ers' win Sunday in Detroit dominated the conversation among NFL fans, pundits and talking heads, and there's no shortage of opinions about who was right or wrong. As far as the NFL is concerned, though, it's a closed matter that won't result in any fines or punishment for either coach. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello provided the following statement to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network:
Jim Harbaugh Vs. Jim Schwartz: Harbaugh Won’t Apologize, Neither Coach Will Be Fined
“Fortunately, there was no fighting and thus no basis for a fine,” Aiello said. “However, both coaches told (NFL VP of football operations) Ray Anderson today that their postgame conduct was wrong and will not happen again. We believe their response is the correct one and that their postgame conduct going forward will be more appropriate.”
In his Monday press conference, Harbaugh refused to offer an outright apology, but did admit regret in taking the focus off his team’s win. From San Francisco Chronicle’s Kevin Lynch:
“No, I think there’s no reason for an apology,” Harbaugh said Monday. “Apologies always seem to me like excuses.”
However, Harbaugh did say he will work on his handshake etiquette after games.
“Personally I will try to get better at the post game handshake and will attempt to do that,” he said.
[...] “It was an unfortunate incident that took place after the game, and I take responsibility and accountability for my part in that,” Harbaugh said. “The thing you feel bad about is that it takes away from what our football players did, and the game itself when you see what is being talked about today.”
SB Nation’s David Fucillo also attended the press conference; he reports that Harbaugh said he met with Schwartz in the tunnel after the game and will likely speak privately with the Lions coach sometime in the future, presumably to put this matter to rest once and for all.
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