The NCAA alerts Michigan about Jim Harbaugh’s alleged Level I charges for deceiving investigators: Citation

According to a source informed on the investigation on Tuesday, Jim Harbaugh, the coach of Michigan, is facing a Level I violation from the NCAA for allegedly giving false or misleading information in an investigation into recruiting offenses during the COVID-19 dead period. The infringement was initially reported by The Detroit News.

Kurt Svoboda, a spokesman for the athletic department, confirmed that Michigan received a formal notice of charges this week from the NCAA. The charges, which were first detailed in a draft notice of allegations filed in January, give Michigan ninety days to reply.

In addition to the Level I complaint against Harbaugh for his lack of cooperation, the draft notice detailed four Level II charges, including improper interaction with prospects and analysts while they were on coaching assignments. A negotiated settlement addressed some of those issues, but the Level I charge against Harbaugh remained unresolved between Michigan and the NCAA.

After the NCAA Committee on Infractions rejected a proposed four-game punishment as part of a negotiated compromise, Michigan suspended him for three games to begin the season.

The NCAA’s inquiry into in-person scouting and sign theft is unrelated to the notification of allegations that was received this week. The Big Ten handed Harbaugh a three-game suspension for breaking the sportsmanship code of the league in relation to the in-person scouting ring that was purportedly run by former staff member Connor Stalions.

The formal notice of complaints serves as a preamble to the potential 2024 infractions hearing. Possible consequences might be a further suspension for the 2024 season and a show-cause penalty for Harbaugh.