Additional Coverage:
- Jim Harbaugh: ‘I do not apologize;’ Coach again denies knowing about Michigan sign-stealing scheme (newsbreak.com)
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, during a press conference on Monday, strongly refuted any involvement in the unauthorized scouting activities that are currently under NCAA investigation. These activities occurred during his tenure at Michigan, where he notably led the team to a national championship last season.
“Never lie. Never cheat.
Never steal. That’s how I was raised and that’s how I’ve raised my family and coached my teams,” Harbaugh stated.
“I’ve had no part in these allegations. For me, it’s back to business as usual and pursuing our goals with great zeal.”
Harbaugh took over as the coach of the Los Angeles Chargers on January 24, leaving Michigan shortly after securing their first national championship since 1997. The move came amidst emerging allegations that might lead to Level 1 NCAA violations against him, related to impermissible scouting and sign-stealing practices.
The NCAA is poised to deliver a formal notice of allegations to Michigan, which reportedly includes charges against Harbaugh and other staff members like Sherrone Moore, who has since succeeded Harbaugh as head coach. Although the details of the draft notice are confidential, it was shared with The Associated Press by sources who chose to remain anonymous.
One specific figure mentioned in the allegations is Connor Stalions, a former recruiting staffer, accused of orchestrating a scheme that involved off-campus advanced scouting over a two-year period. This scheme reportedly involved recording play signals of Michigan’s competitors, a violation of NCAA regulations.
Last season, Harbaugh faced two separate suspensions totaling six games. The first was related to a different NCAA probe into recruitment violations, which concluded in April, placing Michigan on probation for three years. Later, he received a three-game suspension from the Big Ten, following league investigations into the sign-stealing allegations.
The case concerning the sign-stealing issues is expected to extend over several months, with NCAA procedures allowing schools up to 90 days to respond to allegations. A hearing would then be scheduled, although a negotiated settlement could also be reached.
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