Michigan football receives notice of allegations from NCAA, report says

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Football received notice Thursday of allegations regarding possible recruiting violations by the program, along with a more serious accusation that Jim Harbaugh misled investigators investigating those violations, according to a report in The Athletic.

The Notice of Allegations includes four Level II violations and one Level I violation, according to the report, which states that the most serious allegation was “brought against Harbaugh for providing false or misleading information.”

“The NCAA found he failed to cooperate with investigators related to a Level II violation regarding contact with two prospects during the COVID-19 dead period,” reads the report by Austin Meek and Nicole Auerbach in The Athletic.

The report that the NCAA prepared a Notice of Allegation was also reported Thursday night by Yahoo Sports. According to that report, the Tier II violations involve Michigan using too many coaches in practice, meeting rookies during a time-out, and watching player practices via video. The Level I allegation “is that Harbaugh misled NCAA investigators when confronted with questions about the Level II allegations.” ESPN sources described the same.

Asked by The Michigan Insider, Kurt Svoboda, associate athletic director, responded late Thursday night:

“I cannot comment as I have not received any information on the subject. We will keep you informed as soon as possible.”

After a program receives a Notice of Allegations, the NCAA outlines the process that follows as follows:

“The Notice of Allegations outlines the rules the institution allegedly broke and outlines the facts of the case. …Once an institution receives a Notice of Allegations, it has up to 90 days to respond in writing. Extensions can be provided. Evidence, including recorded interviews, summaries and transcripts, can be reviewed at the national office or through a private, secure website. When all parties have had the opportunity to respond, a hearing is scheduled before the commission of offences.

The NCAA uses a four-tiered classification of violations; Level I offenses are the most serious. This is behavior that “seriously compromises[s] or threaten[s] the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws, including any violation that provides or is intended to provide substantial or extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage, or substantial unauthorized advantage or extended.

Level II violations are those “that provide or are intended to provide more than a minimum but less than substantial or extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage.”

Harbaugh and Michigan Athletics have not publicly commented on the notice of allegations. Earlier Thursday, Harbaugh released the following statement about his intentions to coach Michigan in 2023:

“I’ve been aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days. Both the college and NFL teams are very interested in all of our staff, from players to coaches to staff, and I sincerely believe this speaks to the strength of our University of Michigan football program.

“As I stated in December, even though no one knows what the future holds, I fully expect to coach Michigan in 2023. I have spoken with President Santa Ono and sporting director Warde Manuel and I appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said … those who remain will be champions.

This is a developing story that may be updated with more information. The Michigan Insider has reached out to Michigan Athletics for comment; their response was added to this story at 11:25 p.m. on January 5.

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