After a ton of speculation, the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions panel has made a ruling on former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh.
The NCAA has decided to slap Harbaugh with a one-year suspension. He has also received a four-year show-cause that’ll run through August of 2028.
These violations stem from the NCAA’s investigation into violations that occurred during the COVID-19 recruiting dead period. It’s not related to the sign-stealing scandal involving Connor Stalions.
Here’s more information from the NCAA :
Harbaugh’s violations of the COVID-19 recruiting dead period are Level II violations, but his unethical conduct and failure to cooperate with the membership’s infractions process — specifically, his provision of false or misleading information — is a Level I violation.
The panel noted that Harbaugh’s intentional disregard for NCAA legislation and unethical conduct amplified the severity of the case and prompted the panel to classify Harbaugh’s case as Level I-Aggravated, with penalties to include a four-year show-cause order. Subsumed in the show-cause order is a one-season suspension for Harbaugh.
Earlier this week, Harbaugh was asked about the allegations surrounding Michigan’s program. He made it known that he wasn’t going to apologize to the NCAA.
“No one’s perfect. If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right,” Harbaugh said . “Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations. So for me, it’s back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”
While this is certainly a harsh punishment on paper, the reality is it won’t affect Harbaugh as long as he’s thriving in the NFL.
Considering the Los Angeles Chargers made a strong financial commitment to Harbaugh, it’s safe to assume he’ll be leading their staff for at least a few years.
Related: Colin Cowherd Blasts NCAA For ‘Witch Hunt’ Against Jim Harbaugh