Jim Harbaugh may face sanction by the NCAA ahead of his first game in charge of the Los Angeles Chargers for his alleged sign-stealing scandal back when he was the Michigan Wolverines head coach. Harbaugh is part of the seven-man shortlist who could face tier 1 punishment.
Before joining the Chargers earlier this year, Harbaugh lifted the CFP Trophy with Michigan. However, the victory was shrouded with controversies from all directions.
The NCAA panel investigating the sign-stealing scandal accused Harbaugh of non-cooperation. He could face severe repercussions for his actions if they prove his involvement.
When asked about the latest development, the 60-year-old coach’s stance remained unaltered. Harbaugh denied every allegation as baseless.
Never lie, never cheat, never steal. I was raised with that lesson—have raised my family on that lesson—have preached that lesson to the teams that I’ve coached. No one’s perfect [and] if you stumble, you apologize and you make it right.Jim Harbaugh said as per Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports
According to Harbaugh, even if something like signs stealing had happened, he wasn’t aware of it.
I did not participate, [and I] was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations. So… it’s back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.Jim Harbaugh quipped
“Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations.” – Jim Harbaugh denying any knowledge of the alleged sign stealing scheme at Michigan.pic.twitter.com/2oWvjAhIoS
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) August 5, 2024What sort of punishment Jim Harbaugh could face if the NCAA finds him guilty?
The allegations are as serious as they get. Stealing signs is always frowned upon because the knowledge of the other team’s signs can tip the balance in their favor.
If proven guilty, then Harbaugh could face level 1 violation charges, which is the highest and the most severe. The notice of the allegation suggested that the committee could force him to ‘show cause’ for the act and they could enforce additional charges for denial and wasting the time of the panel. Obviously, their charges remain flexible and could change.
Sherrone Moore, who took over from Harbaugh at Ann Arbor, is first in line for the sanctions. As for Harbaugh, NCAA rules and regulations don’t apply to him because he now works in the NFL.
On the flip side, if Jim Harbaugh ever decided to return to college football, then the sanctions would become active once more. That’s still a long shot because if he finds success with the Chargers in the NFL, then it would be a while before he goes back to coaching a college team, and that too if he ever returns.
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