You knew as soon as the NCAA posted on X about Michigan football sanctions that it was going to be an interesting day on social media.
The NCAA and Michigan came to a resolution on Monday, one that puts Michigan football on probation for three years, along with some recruiting restrictions. There is also a show-cause order for five individuals but it was clarified that no staffers will miss any more games next season.
It’s also noteworthy that former Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t part of the agreement. His lawyer, Tom Mars, said Michigan “changed” its position. That was likely on the responsibility of the head coach matter. The University agreed that Harbaugh violated that rule, which doesn’t happen if he’s still the head coach.
Mars also said that Harbaugh filed his response. The NCAA didn’t disclose that according to Mars.
It would have been an interesting read. At any rate, the NCAA can pursue separate punishment against Harbaugh — likely another show cause. Jim can fight that, just like he can fight the “sign gate” punishment. If it ever comes.
The hammer isn’t dropping on Michigan football
According to Chris Balas of The Wolverine.com citing his sources at Michigan, the talk of the “hammer” being dropped on Michigan football is “laughable.”
The NCAA can’t punish Michigan for what Connor Stalions did on his own. That’s all the proof they had. The Big Ten even said if it could prove other Michigan coaching staff members knew of the plot, it could have potentially banned the team or Harbaugh from the Big Ten championship game.
That evidence never existed. They searched Harbaugh’s phone and computers, as I’m sure they did with everyone on staff. The rule is also so poorly written, that it’s not going to be that easy to prove a rule was broken.
The argument from rivals was also the head coach violation clause. I’m sure the NCAA will try to get Harbaugh for that again, but he’s not the head coach anymore. So Stalions and Harbaugh will probably get show-cause penalties while Michigan is headed for another slap on the wrist.
That’s also years away. These violations are from 2020 and it’s a much easier case to make. But the idea that games will ever be vacated is laughable. Michigan football didn’t have ineligible players and there is zero proof they cheated this season, which is backed up by NCAA President Charlie Baker saying the national title was won, “Fair and square.”
Ohio State fans can yell until they are red in the face about how the “hammer is dropping” but as I said before, it’s wishful thinking on their part.
More must-reads: