In Los Angeles, Jim Harbaugh has recently made headlines with his response to the NCAA’s disciplinary actions against the Michigan football program. The sanctions, which include fines that could total $30 million, do not include a postseason ban, a point that Harbaugh seems to take in stride.
Speaking to reporters following a tight preseason game loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Harbaugh emphasized his decision to remain quiet about the ruling. “Like I said to you last year, not engaging,” he stated. “I’m done engaging.” His comments come after the NCAA released a comprehensive 74-page ruling outlining the penalties placed on the program.
Notably, the penalties for Harbaugh include a 10-year show-cause order, which impacts his ability to participate in college athletics during this period. This show-cause order is set to start on August 7, 2028, when Harbaugh’s previous four-year ruling for recruiting violations wraps up. The new order will keep him from any athletically related activities through August 6, 2038, when Harbaugh will be 74 years old.
Having taken the helm at Michigan from 2015 to 2023, the coach is now facing scrutiny due to his involvement in hiring Connor Stalions. Stalions was identified as the leader of an illegal sign-stealing operation that occurred from 2021 to 2023. His connection to the program began as a volunteer assistant back in 2017 and later transitioned to a recruiting analyst, according to the NCAA’s findings.
In light of the ruling, Michigan has announced its intentions to appeal the NCAA’s decision. This upcoming legal battle could significantly impact how the university and its football program proceed over the coming years.
As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how Harbaugh’s decision to disengage plays out in the face of serious challenges posed by the NCAA.
