Harbaugh reiterates belief Pipkins shouldn't play football

Detroit — Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh stood by a statement he released late last week regarding defensive lineman Ondre Pipkins, who told ESPN he felt pressure from Harbaugh to retire from football for medical reasons.

Harbaugh said Tuesday night at Comerica Park, after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, that his initial statement saying it is not in Pipkins' best interest to play football in the short or long term was clear.

Pipkins has had a torn knee ligament, a neck issue during his freshman season during preseason camp and multiple concussions — Pipkins told ESPN he had two concussions and Harbaugh said Tuesday it was three.

"When it comes to the health and safety of the players, that argument trumps all other arguments," Harbaugh said Tuesday.

While he agreed it is tough for a young athlete to hear his career might be over, he countered that down the road, the player will be better served by the decision.

"It's hard (when in) 10, 15, 20 years, when they come back and say, I wish somebody had given them that advice," Harbaugh said.

Pipkins said in the ESPN story that he had been asked several times during a two-month period by Harbaugh and other staffers to leave the game. He also said he was told he could remain on scholarship and get his degree.

Later last Friday, Pipkins announced via Instagram and Twitter that he intends to transfer and play his final year at another school.

"I wanted nothing more than just to be #Great playing for the Maize and Blue," Pipkins wrote. "To my brothers and the senior class of Michigan Football I deeply apologize for not being able to complete this journey because I know that we were looking forward to this season more than ever. I love you guys and I will cherish our memories forever. I hope you all understand that this was the best decision for me and my family."

Harbaugh said Tuesday he has no other roster changes to announce.

angelique.chengelis@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/chengelis