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Jim Harbaugh responds to possible suspension at Big Ten Media Day

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•07/27/23•

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(Photo by Lon Horwedel / TheWolverine.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — It didn’t take long for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh to get his first question about a possible four-game suspension Thursday. As expected, Harbaugh didn’t have much to say about the report or alleged NCAA violations at Big Ten Media Day, day two in Indianapolis.

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“As you probably already know, I’m not allowed to talk about any specifics to that ongoing situation,” Harbaugh said. “I’d love to lay it all out there … nothing to be ashamed of. But now is not that time. That’s about all there is to say about that.”

Harbaugh attorney Tom Mars and Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel both issued statements with essentially a “no comment” earlier this week. They cited the ongoing investigation as the reason for their silence. It’s clear, though, that negotiations are ongoing, though not as clear that it will end soon … or in a four-game suspension.

“We are continuing to work cooperatively with the NCAA staff on an enforcement matter.  At this time, we are not allowed to comment on possible penalties or other aspects of the matter,” Mars wrote, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. And from Manuel in a statement Friday: “Yesterday, we received draft allegations from the NCAA regarding our football program. We have cooperated and will continue to cooperate with this investigation. Out of respect to the NCAA’s enforcement process, we will not offer further comments.”

Yahoo.com reports the penalties stem from alleged false statements Harbaugh originally made to investigators in a case of the alleged “cover-up” being worse than the crime. As reported here months ago, the university stood behind Harbaugh after he acknowledged wrongdoing over contact with committed recruits during a COVID-related dead period. Sources said he had lunch with them when they stopped by for an impromptu visit. He was also cited for allowing an analyst to perform some coaching duties on the field and having some coaches watch players work out during Zoom meetings. 

None of these would likely have resulted in major punishment. However, Harbaugh denies knowingly lying to the NCAA, which Yahoo’s Dan Wetzel reported has become a sticking point in resolving the case. As we’d reported, Harbaugh was looking at a possible 6-game suspension. Sources told TheWolverine.com that was expected to be reduced significantly — however, it appears the NCAA won’t budge unless Harbaugh admits being dishonest to investigators.

Nobody has confirmed whether Harbaugh has gone that route. He reportedly initially refused to admit that he lied to NCAA staff, saying he “didn’t recall” the events. Yahoo reports, “The agreement is an initial version of the negotiated resolution and is not yet finalized. The resolution must now be approved by the NCAA Committee on Infractions, which could take several days if not weeks. The committee [also] has authority to adjust penalties.”

If enacted, Harbaugh would miss games with ECU, UNLV, and Bowling Green in addition to the Big Ten home opener against Rutgers. Yahoo also reports that former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, now the defensive coordinator for John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens, is expected to receive a one-year show-cause penalty, while offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome are also expected to receive sanctions.

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