Report: Michigan football negotiations on NCAA violations break down
For Michigan football this offseason, every day appears to bring something new.
First, Jim Harbaugh flirted with NFL teams, speaking to the Carolina Panthers before interviewing virtually with the Denver Broncos.
Harbaugh then released a statement indicating his intent to remain with the program, while still leaving the door open for a potential departure.
The NCAA revealed a notice of allegations, including a Level I allegation against Harbaugh for not being forthcoming about a series of Level II recruiting violations.
Blake Corum inexplicably announced his return, as did most of the standouts who were not expected back.
Eyabi Okie surprisingly entered the NCAA transfer portal.
University President Santa Ono announced Jim Harbaugh was staying by, and Harbaugh’s affirmation did not include athletic director Warde Manuel.
Then, co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was revealed to be suspended due to alleged computer crimes pending an investigation.
Got all that?
There’s more. Expectations regarding the NCAA violations were that they would be minor and handled swiftly. However, according to a Yahoo Sports report, that no longer appears to be the case.
According to sources, Harbaugh has acknowledged his program committed four Level II violations as the NCAA initially alleged. He has further apologized to the university that they occurred. However, he has refused to sign any document or publicly state that he was ever untruthful with the enforcement staff.
The 59-year-old has maintained he didn’t recall the events when first speaking with investigators but that he was never purposefully dishonest.
This allegations are reportedly the result of two committed recruits visiting during a dead period and a receipt surfacing of Harbaugh having purchased them food. That itself is a minor violation, but he told NCAA investigators no such thing happened, supposedly.
It appears this will continue to be a less than tranquil postseason for the Michigan Wolverines.
