"Never lie, never cheat, never steal": Former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh clears his name from sign-stealing scandal
Jim Harbaugh returned to the NFL this offseason after accepting a head coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh spent the past nine seasons leading the Michigan Wolverines. His departure came amidst an ongoing investigation into the program for allegedly stealing opponent's signs.
Following a report from Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel that detailed the accusations against Michigan and their former coach, Harbaugh responded by proclaiming his innocence. Clayton Sayfie, who covers the Wolverines for On3 Sports, shared his comments about the situation, tweeting:
"Jim Harbaugh on the NCAA's leaked draft of notice of allegations: "Yeah, I do have a comment on that. Never lie, never cheat, never steal. I was raised with that lesson. I have raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams I have coached. No one’s perfect."
"If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right. Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware of, nor was I complicit in those allegations. So, for me, it’s back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
Check out Clayton Sayfie's tweet about Jim Harbaugh below:
Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a national championship in 2023. However, as noted, the season was not without controversy. Michigan staffer Connor Stalions was accused of illegally stealing signs from opponents and Harbaugh was suspended for the final three games of the regular season by the Big Ten.
What did the Notice of Allegations draft say about Jim Harbaugh?
Jim Harbaugh's name appeared multiple times in the NCAA's notice of allegations draft. Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel of ESPN shared the contents of the draft, writing:
"Former Michigan staff members Jim Harbaugh, Chris Partridge, Denard Robinson and Stalions are also accused of committing Level 1 violations, the most serious category in the NCAA's enforcement process. The school also faces a Level 1 violation charge, according to the draft, because of its "pattern of noncompliance within the football program" and institutional efforts to hinder or thwart the NCAA's investigation."
They later added:
"Harbaugh, who left Michigan to coach the Los Angeles Chargers after leading the Wolverines to a national title in January, is accused of not cooperating because he denied the NCAA's request to view relevant messages and phone records from his personal cellphone. The draft says Harbaugh could face a "show-cause" restriction if he ever opts to return to college sports." [h/t ESPN]
Sherrone Moore, who was named Michigan coach following Harbaugh's departure, is also mentioned in the proceedings and could face a suspension. Michigan is ranked eighth in the preseason Coaches Poll, which was released on Monday.