Michigan and coach Jim Harbaugh are being investigated for multiple rule violations by the NCAA, which sent the Wolverines a draft notice of allegations Thursday. The allegations include a Level I violation against Harbaugh himself as well as multiple Level II violations, according to multiple reports.
“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 for the NCAA’s enforcement process, we will not be offering any other comments,” sporting director Warde Manuel said in a statement.
The Tier II violations would include accusations that Michigan held practices with too many coaches on the field, contacted two prospects during the long COVID-19 dead period, and observed practices via an unauthorized video feed. The Level I violation — which is the most serious charge — is that Harbaugh misled the NCAA when it approached him with the allegations.
A Level I violation could result in suspension and, in some cases, grounds for dismissal based on the language of the coach’s contract. In that case, the school could terminate Harbaugh’s contract, according to Yahoo Sports.
Providing false and misleading information is a violation of NCAA Rule 10.1, which deals with unethical conduct. Violations of this law include obstructing an investigation or encouraging another person to lie. It is considered a “significant” violation, but is not always a Level I violation.
It’s rare for a Power Five coach to be accused of misleading the NCAA, but there is precedent. When UConn received its Notice of Allegations in 2018, the NCAA said Huskies basketball coach Kevin Ollie “provided false or misleading information” regarding contact with the rookie. Ollie was eventually given a three-year show cause sentence and expelled from the school.
The violation of unethical conduct has its fundamental basis in the old phrase, “Concealment is worse than crime.” But there’s no language in the NCAA handbook about it being an automatic Level I violation, so there’s a gray area there.
That’s the problem with a possible Notice of Allegations for Michigan: it may not be finalized at this time. Its contents are uncertain until the document is made public, and as in all cases, it comes down to what violations are alleged and what can be proven before the NCAA’s infraction committee.
On January 1, some of the language from version 10.1 was integrated into Rule 19.1.1which deals with “serious misconduct” and “one or more violations that seriously impair or threaten the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model”.
Although Harbaugh’s alleged offenses are believed to have occurred prior to January 1. 1, if he continues the violations after New Year’s Day, sources tell CBS Sports that it would be more beneficial if the violation were characterized as a “failure to cooperate with an NCAA investigation into the enforcement of the law”.
The news comes at a very interesting time for Harbaugh and Michigan. Harbaugh’s name has been linked to job postings with the NFL‘s Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. More pro openings could come next week after the NFL regular season ends.
The rumors were so strong that Harbaugh had to issue a statement Thursday addressing his current status with the program.
“I am aware of the rumors and speculation of the last few days”, said Harbaugh. college and NFL teams have had great interest in all of our staff, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe this speaks to the strength of our University of Michigan football program. As I said in December, although no one knows what the future holds, I look forward to coaching Michigan in 2023. I spoke with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and I appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said… whoever stays will be champions.”
This statement is even more concerning with the news that Harbaugh is under investigation by the NCAA. That not only leaves plenty of room for Harbaugh to take another job, but also suggests that his current status as Michigan’s head coach is in jeopardy for other reasons. One of those reasons could be the reported survey.
Michigan will have 90 days from receipt of the Notice of Allegations to respond to the NCAA.
Harabugh is 74-25 with Michigan, won two straight college football Playoff appearances and winning back-to-back Big Ten titles. He went 44-19-1 in four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14).
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