Michigan's move to hold a portion of its spring practice in Florida at one of the state's most high-profile schools, IMG Academy, has been met with a countermove from the Southeastern Conference.
The SEC has asked the NCAA to prohibit schools from holding practices during spring break, according to CBS Sports. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed on National Signing Day that the Wolverines would hold some practices in Florida this year during the school's spring break.
"Our primary reaction [is] that, in the face of the time-demand conversations, we've got one program taking what has been 'free time' away," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said. "Let's draw a line and say, 'That's not appropriate.'"
Harbaugh's intent with the move is to bring the program additional exposure to recruits in the talent-rich South, similar to Michigan's satellite camps held around the country, which also has been at issue for the SEC. If the NCAA invokes such a ruling, Harbaugh's plan would be stopped in its tracks, because spring break is the only opportunity to take players away from the classroom for practices.
IMG Academy is in Bradenton, Fla., and attracts some of the state's most talented athletes in multiple sports.
According to the report, a decision from the NCAA is not likely to be issued until after the Wolverines have followed through with their plan. But a ruling in favor of the SEC would prohibit Michigan or any other school from making an annual habit of Harbaugh's innovative idea.
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