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Sources: Jim Harbaugh to serve 3-game school-imposed suspension

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•08/21/23•

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Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh will serve a school-imposed three-game suspension for alleged NCAA violations, but he had something else on his mind Monday. Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

As first reported by TheWolverine.com Monday, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will miss the first three games of the season as a school-imposed suspension for his role in alleged NCAA violations, sources told TheWolverine.com today. Harbaugh was issued a level one violation after allegedly misleading investigators about improper contact with a recruit, turning a level 2 violation into the more serious infraction.

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A four-game suspension was apparently in the works between U-M and the NCAA but rejected by the committee on infractions. The violations, reportedly the result of Harbaugh meeting with a recruit during a COVID-related dead period in which he bought the recruit a burger, have been a source of ongoing discussion between fans, reporters, and even the NCAA. Some suggested the association violated its own bylaws in commenting while Michigan and Harbaugh are not allowed.

“The Michigan infractions case is related to impermissible on and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and impermissible coaching activities — not a cheeseburger,” Derrick Crawford, the NCAA vice president of hearing operations, said. “It is not uncommon for the COI to seek clarification on key facts prior to accepting.

“The COI may also reject a [negotiated resolution] if it determines that the agreement is not in the best interests of the Association or the penalties are not reasonable. If the involved parties cannot resolve a case through the negotiated resolution process, it may proceed to a hearing, but the committee believes cooperation is the best avenue to quickly resolve issues.”

This appears to be a Michigan step toward resolution. Harbaugh attorney Tom Mars was not pleased, however, with the NCAA’s statement.

“Pursuant to the NCAA’s internal operating procedures, and under threat of penalties, Michigan, the involved coaches, and their lawyers are prohibited from uttering a word about this ongoing case. Yet the NCAA can issue a public statement putting its spin on the case?” he tweeted.

Harbaugh, meanwhile, has maintained his “no comment” stance, noting he wasn’t at liberty to discuss any aspect of the case. Several have tried to get him to comment, to no avail.

“I’m not allowed to talk about any aspect of that ongoing situation,” Harbaugh said during the Michigan segment of Big Ten Media Day. “I’d love to lay it all out there. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, but now is not that time.”

Harbaugh is slated to miss games with ECU Sept. 2, UNLV Sept. 9, and Bowling Green Sept. 16.

Stay tuned or more on this breaking story in the hours to come …

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