Jim Harbaugh Hit With Strong Sanctions From NCAA

© Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK

Even though Jim Harbaugh has moved on from his Michigan Wolverines days, the long arm of the NCAA touched him on Aug. 7. In a matter separate from the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal, Harbaugh received a one-season suspension and a four-year show-cause order from the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions.

These sanctions stem from Harbaugh's time as Michigan's head coach. On3 reports that this NCAA case focuses on Michigan and five current and former Wolverines' football program employees who "earlier reached an agreement with NCAA enforcement staff on violations concerning both recruiting and coaching activities by non-coaching staff members that occurred within the football program."

In its report, the NCAA directly calls out Harbaugh and his actions as the leader of Michigan's football team, pointing to impermissible recruiting contacts and specific inducements during the COVID-19 dead period. "Throughout the investigation, Harbaugh denied his involvement in the violations, which were overwhelmingly supported by the record," the NCAA wrote. "Harbaugh also refused to participate in a hearing before the committee."

Harbaugh has yet to make any public comment about this development. The Associated Press (AP) reported that his attorney, Tom Mars, said Harbaugh was not invited to participate in the settlement process. The lawyer directed pointed comments toward the NCAA.

According to the NCAA, Harbaugh's recruiting transgressions in this case are Level II violations. Yet his "unethical conduct and failure to cooperate with the membership's infractions process" hurt him. The NCAA explained, "[H]is provision of false or misleading information" turned this into a Level I violation.

Harbaugh, as far as college football is concerned, is suspended for one competitive season. Should a college team lure him away from the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers, which seems unlikely, Harbaugh would have to sit out a season. But that's not all. According to the AP, the NCAA's action "effectively ban[s] him from college athletics until August 2028." Indeed, while the show-cause order is in place, Harbaugh is “barred from all athletically related activities, including team travel, practice, video study, recruiting and team meetings."

It bears repeating that this sanction is unrelated to the Connor Stalions' sign-stealing scandal. Harbaugh publicly claimed his innocence in connection with the Stalions' matter on Aug. 6. "Today, I do not apologize," he told reporters at the Chargers' training camp. "I did not participate. I was not aware nor complicit in those ... allegations. So for me, it's back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."

Harbaugh went so far as to contend the allegations against him are inconsistent with his nature: "Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal," he said. "I was raised with that lesson. I have raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams I’ve coached. No one’s perfect. If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right."

© Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan fans might cry "foul" over these NCAA matters. Yet others may point to it as an example of a football program gone rogue. Time will tell, especially with the Stailons' case still hanging over the Wolverines' heads.

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