Ad Disclosure
NCAA issues statement on updates to Jim Harbaugh investigation
By Paul Harvey
Published:
The NCAA has issued a statement on the latest updates to the investigation surrounding Jim Harbaugh.
It was reported Saturday that Harbaugh’s suspension — a reportedly 4-game agreement with the NCAA — hit some hurdles. As a result, Harbaugh is expected to be able to coach every game this fall but his case will move forward with the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions.
In a statement, Derrick Crawford –NCAA VP, hearing operations — said the Michigan case is related to impermissible on and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and impermissible coaching activities and “not a cheeseburger.” Crawford also noted the Committee on Infractions may reject a resolution if “the penalties are not reasonable.”
Here is Crawford’s full statement:
The Michigan infractions case is related to impermissible on and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and impermissible coaching activities — not a cheeseburger. It is not uncommon for the COI to seek clarification on key facts prior to accepting. The COI may also reject an NR if it determines that the agreement is not in the best interests of the Association or the penalties are not reasonable. If the involved parties cannot resolve a case through the negotiated resolution process, it may proceed to a hearing but the committee believes cooperation is the best avenue to quickly resolve issues.
If the clarification of “not a cheeseburger” caught you off guard, you are not the only one. Dennis Dodd with CBS Sports noted the uniqueness of that aspect of the statement and said he believes the usage “heavily suggests” a punishment harsher than 4 games could be the end result.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.