Jim Harbaugh, Michigan to reportedly self-impose suspension in attempt to appease NCAA

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan are reportedly planning to self-impose a suspension of 3 games this season in an attempt to appease the NCAA.

This news was reported by the Maize & Blue Review after reports in recent weeks suggested that Harbaugh would have a 4-game suspension, but that was subsequently called off.

The suspension would start with the season opener East Carolina next weekend and run through the Wolverines’ non-conference schedule against UNLV and Bowling Green, and Harbaugh would be set to return for the Big Ten opener against Rutgers.

Because “hurdles arose” in the initial reported 4-game penalty, the case was then expected to move through the NCAA’s disciplinary system, meaning the case would likely continue into the offseason and into 20224.

At issue are alleged violations that included impermissible contact with recruits during dead periods and the use of a defensive analyst for on-field coaching. The NCAA enforcement staff reportedly alleged Harbaugh was dishonest about the recruiting violations in initial meetings with investigators.

Keith Farner

Keith Farner has written about college football for newspapers and web sites since 2005.