Jim Harbaugh Breaks Silence On NCAA Sanctions

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh found himself in the middle of a controversy once again after the NCAA levied new sanctions against him stemming from his recruitment violations while at Michigan.

Harbaugh, who was hired by the Chargers last January, was given a four-year show-cause order, which would bar him from any NCAA activity until 2028.

On Thursday, Harbaugh was asked about the development. He, however, largely ducked the question.

"I'm stopping the engagement there with commenting," Harbaugh said, as quoted by a report from ESPN's Kris Rhim . "But my only hope is that one day college athletics will be about what's best for young men and young women who participate in it.

"That's really all I've got to say about it."

According to the NCAA, Harbaugh "engaged in unethical conduct, failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and violated head coach responsibility obligations" during the COVID-19 dead period in 2021.

In an official release last Wednesday , the NCAA said Harbaugh had meetings with two prospects and their fathers on separate occasions at a diner in February and March of that year. Harbaugh denied the allegations.

The NCAA noted that recruitment violations typically warrant a Level II case, based on its by-laws. But since Harbaugh violated the provision on giving false/misleading information, it was elevated to a Level I case, the most serious meted by the NCAA.

It added that Harbaugh refused to participate in a hearing before the Committee on Infractions.

As ESPN's report noted, this case is on top of the NCAA's investigation into illegal in-person scouting and sign-stealing claims at Michigan last year, which led to Harbaugh's suspension for several games. Michigan, which Harbaugh coached for eight years, eventually won the national championship.

The seasoned tactician would want to put the latest issue on the back burner as he tries to lead the Chargers in his first season with the squad. LA missed the playoffs last season with an abysmal 5-12 record.

The Chargers will start their preseason campaign against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday.

Related: Paul Finebaum Attacks Jim Harbaugh’s Character In Fiery Rant