NCAA Issues Statement On Harbaugh Situation, Alleged Infractions

In a wild turn of events, it appears that Jim Harbaugh's reported four-game suspension is off the table - and Michigan's head coach will be on the sidelines for all games in 2023.

As Michigan fans were anxiously waiting for official word of Jim Harbaugh's multi-game suspension to begin the 2023 season, news broke that the apparent four-game agreement between Harbaugh and the NCAA was off. 

First reported by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports, the reported four-game suspension agreement between the NCAA and Jim Harbaugh will now go to a Committee on Infractions - and the case isn't expected to be resolved until sometime in 2024. In short, Jim Harbaugh will be on the sidelines coaching Michigan for all games in 2023. 

NCAA statement on the Harbaugh situation, which includes this: “not a cheeseburger.” pic.twitter.com/0sH3gpkecc

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) August 12, 2023

Shortly after news broke that the deal was off, the Derrick Crawford, NCAA vice president of hearing operations, issued a statement regarding the alleged violations.

"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 (Committee of Infractions) 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."