The University of Michigan is gearing up to challenge the NCAA over allegations of rule violations in its football program. Athletic director Warde Manuel has stated that the school will actively defend itself during the ongoing investigations.
"First of all, we’re going to fight when we need to fight," Manuel said during an appearance on "The Michigan Insider" . "Also, where we have made mistakes, we’re going to admit them and deal with it. I don’t want people to think because we don’t talk about it publicly — and I can’t — that we’re not going to fight for what we think is right for the University of Michigan and the people that are here. We are."
Michigan's football team is under scrutiny for alleged illegal sign stealing involving a former staff member. The investigation began last season and led to the suspension of former head coach Jim Harbaugh for the last three games. Following a national championship win, Harbaugh left Michigan to coach the Los Angeles Chargers before the investigation concluded.
Recently, the NCAA issued a four-year show cause order against Harbaugh for improper contact with recruits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Manuel emphasized that while the program will admit to any mistakes, they will also fight against what they perceive as excessive scrutiny.
"But, at the same time, you have to also understand that if we do things that are against the rules, that we know are against the rules, we need to admit it and move forward and deal with it. There’s a duality to that. There’s a sense that you have a responsibility to adhere to rules we say we’re going to participate in, but when it gets to a point where we feel like it is over the top, or we need to fight something, we certainly will," he said.
The NCAA has sent Michigan a final notice of allegations regarding the violations, giving the school 90 days to respond. A hearing before the NCAA's committee on infractions may follow, although a negotiated resolution is still possible.
Meanwhile, Michigan players, including running back Donovan Edwards, are focused on their performance and not the surrounding controversy. The team is determined to concentrate on their training and daily efforts, rather than the ongoing investigations.
Related: Michigan Football News: Legacy Tarnished? Chasing Titles at the Cost of Integrity
As the situation unfolds, former staff member Connor Stalions, who was implicated in the allegations, is expected to address the matter in an upcoming Netflix documentary. Harbaugh has denied any involvement in the violations, while head coach Sherrone Moore has acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding his communications with Stalions.
The coming months will be crucial for Michigan as it navigates these challenges and seeks to protect its football program's integrity.
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