University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is now expected to sit out the start of the upcoming college football season through suspension.
Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger is reporting that Harbaugh could miss the first four games as a result of an investigation into various recruiting violations committed by the program. It’s understood that the HC is working toward a resolution with the NCAA, with the resolution likely to be a four-game suspension.
Wolverines offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome are expected to be punished as well.
Dellenger has pointed out that any disciplinary stipulations set for Harbaugh must be approved by the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
The report also notes that Harbaugh is believed to have been dishonest about the violations during his first meeting with investigators and that a refusal to admit his untruths prevented a speedy end to the saga.
“Harbaugh’s impending suspension is centered on an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations committed by he and Wolverines staff members,” the report reads.
“The NCAA enforcement staff alleged that Harbaugh was dishonest about the recruiting violations in his initial meeting with investigators. A quick resolution broke down in January after Harbaugh refused to admit that he lied to NCAA staff. The 59-year-old coach has maintained he didn’t recall the events when first speaking with investigators but that he was never purposefully dishonest.”
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Michigan opens the season with less formidable opponents in East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, and Rutgers – so Harbaugh’s suspension, if there is one, might not affect them significantly.
If he does get suspended, the coach will be able to return for the game against Nebraska at Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium on September 30.
