The NCAA has been investigating the Michigan Wolverines for some time. While the attention has been on the sign-stealing scandal, the university was also investigated for recruiting violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation became trickier after Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL, as he was at the center of the allegations. The NCAA came to a decision today with the school on what the punishment will be.
Michigan Wolverines Punishment For Recruiting Violations
JUST IN: Michigan and NCAA reach settlement over COVID-19 recruiting violations
Read HERE: https://t.co/N22NNUJnGz pic.twitter.com/YjBIlBBpF6
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) April 16, 2024
A compromise was reached between the Michigan Wolverines and the NCAA. The program will serve three years of NCAA probation, pay a fine, and face recruiting restrictions. Additionally, there will be a one-year show-cause order. Basically, Michigan admitted there was an infraction, but because Harbaugh had left, they were able to come to a compromise.
Harbaugh’s lawyer released this statement on the matter.
“I filed a lengthy response to the [Notice of Allegations] on behalf of Coach Harbaugh, which unfortunately hasn’t been made public and will probably never see the light of day. That concluded Coach Harbaugh’s participation in the case.”
It is unclear if Harbaugh will receive any kind of punishment from the NCAA for the recruiting violations.
Moving On
The matter is now closed. Michigan’s associate athletic director Kurt Svoboda had this to say about the matter.
“Per NCAA protocol, we are not identifying individuals. I can note that no further game restrictions will be served by anyone who is still on the U-M staff.”
Suspensions were served last year by some members of the Michigan Wolverines coaching staff for self-reported violations. That will not be the case in 2024. It will be interesting to see what happens with the sign-stealing investigation now. Harbaugh was the main target, but the NCAA has limited power now. The good news for Michigan is they can move forward from this issue with minimal damage to their program.
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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