The NCAA is charging Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh with a Level I violation for allegedly providing false or misleading information in an investigation into recruiting infractions during the COVID-19 dead period, a source briefed on the investigation confirmed Tuesday. The Detroit News was the first to report the violation.
Athletic department spokesman Kurt Svoboda confirmed Michigan received a formal notice of allegations from the NCAA this week. Michigan has 90 days to respond to the charges, which were originally outlined in a draft notice of allegations sent in January.
The draft notice outlined four Level II charges that included impermissible contact with recruits and analysts performing coaching duties, as well as the Level I charge against Harbaugh for failing to cooperate. Some of those charges were addressed through a negotiated resolution, but Michigan and the NCAA could not reach a resolution on the Level I charge against Harbaugh.
Michigan imposed a three-game suspension on him to start the season after the NCAA Committee on Infractions rejected a proposed four-game suspension as part of a negotiated resolution.
The notice of allegations received this week is unrelated to the NCAA investigation into in-person scouting and sign stealing. Harbaugh was suspended three games by the Big Ten for violations of the league’s sportsmanship policy tied to the in-person scouting ring allegedly coordinated by former staffer Connor Stalions.
The formal notice of allegations is a precursor to an infractions hearing that could occur sometime in 2024. Potential outcomes could include a show-cause penalty for Harbaugh and an additional suspension during the 2024 season.
Required reading
(Photo: Justin Casterline / Getty Images)
