Muchigan Coach Jim Harbaugh to Receive Suspension for 2021 NCAA Violation

 Jim Harbaugh, no stranger to controversy, once again finds himself in hot water.  An NCAA investigation found Harbaugh committed some level II violations.  These type of infractions are relatively minor, and result in minimal consequences.  However, due to Harbaugh’s dishonesty with the investigators, a more severe punishment will be put in place.  Harbaugh maintains, he engaged in no wrongdoing.

According to investigators, Harbaugh and his staff initially went against two policies.  Firstly, it was found they were in contact with players during a Covid “dead period” that was in place at the time.  In other words, there was a set time frame in which players and coaches could have no contact.  Next, coaches were in communication with players during workouts and non practice periods.  Engaging in such activities is strictly prohibited.  Due to the fact that Harbaugh misled the NCAA, by denying such activities occurred, when investigators had evidence to contrary, the minor infractions were elevated to level II violations.  Had Harbaugh admitted to the incidents, he would not be looking at such harsh punishments 

Why the NCAA chooses to meddle in team activities to such an extent remains a mystery. Why does it matter when and where players and coaches have contact.  To me, this is an opportunity for a team to perform just that much better.  I mean, honestly, we are now paying college players, and we are going to get our panties in a wad about when coaches and players meet.  Yes, rules are rules, and Harbaugh should have followed those policies and been honest about what occurred, (which he maintains he was.). Why is there not a third party brought in to settle such disputes, and issue rulings.  This way, each side could present their case.  Regardless, the NCAA should loosen their regulations when it comes to team operations.  What is the purpose of monitoring such activities?  Who does it harm?

Though originally contending he was innocent, it’s tough to come out ahead when facing an NCAA investigation.  For this reason, rather than dealing with the consequences of a long drawn out fiasco that could harm his team in the long run, Harbaugh caved, and is in the process of negotiating a scaled down 4 game suspension to be served at the beginning of the 2023 season.  Had he chosen to continue to fight the allegations, it could have resulted in much more severe consequences, even termination.  With the trajectory this Michigan team is now on, it probably was not worth the risk.

Though the NCAA must monitor its clubs to make sure they operate in the most ethical manner possible, how can teams’ basic practicing habits at their core contain untoward elements.  Yes, teams must practice in a manner that puts the safety of all involved first, but that’s all that should be regulated.  Nothing else that occurs on the practice field should be in the NCAA’s purview.  To me, anything else the NCAA involves itself in is micromanagement.