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After a scandal-filled final season with the Michigan Wolverines that ended in a national championship win, Jim Harbaugh made the leap to the NFL as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. However, his departure from college football was clouded by ongoing NCAA investigations, which recently resulted in a four-year show-cause penalty.
Harbaugh faced scrutiny from the NCAA on two separate issues, as the first investigation focused on improper recruiting practices during the COVID-19 dead period, while the second centered around the infamous sign-stealing controversy led by Michigan staff member Connor Stalions. This sign-stealing scandal rocked college football last season and cast a shadow over Michigan's successful title run.
In an interview with ESPN, Harbaugh spoke out against the NCAA, particularly criticizing their handling of a $2.7 billion lawsuit filed by student-athletes. That lawsuit resulted in a historic settlement in favor of the athletes, a move Harbaugh vocally ed, positioning himself as an advocate for player rights.
"I'm stopping the engagement there with commenting," Jim Harbaugh said. "They've [NCAA] been keeping money away from players for decades. They just got hit with a $2.7 billion lawsuit. They have no credibility. That's the truth."
Denied any involvement
The NCAA's notice of allegations also named Harbaugh in connection with the sign-stealing scandal, leading the Big Ten to suspend him for three games toward the end of the 2023 season. In his ESPN interview, Harbaugh continued to deny any involvement in the controversy, insisting on his innocence.
"Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal. I was raised with that lesson," Harbaugh added. "I have raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams that I have coached.
"No one is perfect. If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right. Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations. So, it's back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."