Sources: Michigan's Jim Harbaugh to serve Four-Game Suspension

Photo Credit- M-Blog via Flickr

Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is reportedly agreeing to a settlement where he will serve a

four-game suspension following an investigation into recruiting violations from 2021. The

suspension stems from a Level I violation by Harbaugh for making false statements and not

cooperating with NCAA investigators.

Ross Dellenger, from Yahoo Sports, was the first to report the suspension, which is awaiting

approval from the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions.

Impermissible contact with recruits during the Covid-19 “dead period” and improper contact with

players on the team during workouts and other non-practice times are what the NCAA has

alleged Harbaugh is guilty of. Both are Level II violations. The misleading of the NCAA

investigators, and the failure to cooperate, are the major violations and why a suspension is

forthcoming.

A source close to the situation stated that Michigan has submitted a request for a “negotiated

resolution” to the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions. The committee is expected to respond

within the next 30 days. They have the authority to accept the punishment, reject it, or make

amendments to it.

Harbaugh still has not acknowledged that he made false statements or misled investigators,

according to sources. The negotiated resolution will show that Harbaugh does accept

responsibility for the recruiting violations in this investigation.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel issued a statement shortly after news broke regarding

the settlement.

“We are continuing to work cooperatively with the NCAA staff on an enforcement matter. At this time, we cannot comment further on any aspect of the matter.”

Harbaugh’s attorney, Thomas Mars, also issued a statement.

"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."

No official announcement of the suspension has been made by Michigan, Harbaugh nor the

NCAA. If the committee accepts the suspension, Harbaugh will miss the Wolverines’ first four

home games against East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, and Rutgers. The Wolverines will be

heavy favorites in each of these games.

Harbaugh has compiled a 74-25 record entering his ninth season with the Wolverines.