The road to a resolution in Michigan’s NCAA infractions case will likely take longer than expected due to Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh’s reluctance to admit he lied to investigators, a report says. .
A possible negotiated resolution was proposed in an effort to expedite the case. However, in at least two meetings with the NCAA, the Michigan football coach maintained that he did not remember the incident in question, according to Yahoo Sports.
Harbaugh’s position has resulted in the case reaching deadlock between him and the NCAA.
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Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline during the first half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
(Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
If Harbaugh had admitted that he lied, he likely would have received a multi-game suspension for a possible NCAA Tier I violation.
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The initial investigation of the Michigan football program included four Level II recruiting offenses, which carry less significant penalties. However, a potential Level I infraction for failing to cooperate with NCAA enforcement personnel was later added.
Typically, these types of NCAA cases and appeals take around a year to wrap up, which could now be the timeline this case is headed for due to deadlock. The situation could threaten at least a portion of Michigan’s 2023 football season.
Jim Harbaugh’s current contract with the Michigan Wolverines, which pays him more than $30 million over the next five years, means he’s unlikely to return to the NFL.
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With the NCAA insisting that Harbaugh did not tell the truth, Michigan will continue to face prosecution for violations.
On the field, Harbaugh led the program to a successful 2022 season. Michigan beat rival Ohio State to close out an undefeated regular season. The Wolverines dominated Purdue to capture the Big Ten title and earn a berth in the College Football Playoff.
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Michigan ended the season in a 51-45 CFP semifinal loss to TCU.
Referees speak with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh during the second half of a game against Ohio State on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Harbaugh flirted with the NFL for the second year in a row before telling a school official that he intended to remain in Ann Arbor.
Along with the NCAA drama, Michigan placed co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss on leave due to a police investigation into a «computer access crime report.» Weiss’s future with the show is uncertain.
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While proving Harbaugh knowingly lied presents a challenge for the NCAA, it doesn’t seem likely the coach will back down.