As Michigan awaits a verdict on an investigation into its scouting operation, more details surfaced regarding the football program’s other violations.
Per Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press , the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations (NOA) sent to Michigan in December is now public. Regarding recruiting infractions during the COVID dead period in 2020, the 11-page letter said former Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh violated “the NCAA principles of ethical conduct and failed to cooperate” when misleading investigators.
While the other four cited counts were all considered Level II offenses, Harbaugh received a more severe violation.
“The violations involved unethical or dishonest conduct and a failure to cooperate, which are presumed Level I and seriously undermined or threatened the integrity of the NCAA Collegiate Mode,” the NOA said.
College football fans debated the NCAA’s findings against Harbaugh.
“Who would have thought? He definitely has a history of being an honest person,” a fan seemingly said sarcastically .
“NCAA still going on about a couple hamburgers in 2021 for a guy who doesn’t coach college anymore while new recruits across the league are being asked their favorite Lambo color,” a fan said .
“Dishonest over a cheeseburger. Can only imagine how ‘dishonest’ he would be about the biggest cheating scandal in CFB,” an Ohio State fan wondered .
“I am working on a list of NCAA dishonesty,” a fan wrote . “Guess which list is miles longer?”
Harbaugh served a three-game suspension to start the 2023 season for these recruiting violations. The Big Ten later suspended him for the final three games of the regular season amid a scandal involving staffers lifting the signals of future opponents by illegally scouting them in person.
The NCAA is reportedly close to sending another NOA to Michigan regarding that investigation and may consider a postseason ban .
Related: Report: Postseason Ban Could Be Coming For Michigan Football Program