SOURCES: Michigan to self-impose three-game suspension for Jim Harbaugh - Rivals

Submitted by jblaze on August 21st, 2023 at 1:00 PM

SOURCES: Michigan to self-impose three-game suspension for Jim Harbaugh

There appears to be some finality to the NCAA investigation talk, as the Michigan athletic department will take the self-imposed route in order to appease the NCAA.

Multiple sources have confirmed that the athletic department will self-impose a three-game suspension for head coach Jim Harbaugh, with the program set to kick off against East Carolina next weekend.

The suspension will run through the Wolverines’ non-conference schedule, with Harbaugh set to return for the Big Ten opener against Rutgers.

Stick with the Maize & Blue Review for more on this developing story.

- Josh Henschke

TeslaRedVictorBlue

August 21st, 2023 at 1:32 PM ^

and yet here Michigan is... 10 days before the season deciding to drudge this shit up again for NO reason. if this team doesn't live up to expectations, its very possible that the Athletic Department's distractions could be a big part of it. Why the F would Michigan push this out now? Its a hopeful slap on the wrist? They wouldn't take the 4 games, but now we'll assume they take the 3? Also, Harbz already said he didnt do anything wrong and didn't lie. So is the AD taking his legs out from him? 

DMack

August 21st, 2023 at 3:02 PM ^

Has anyone thought that perhaps when this thing became a pissing contest between our guy and their guy, someone at UM used their well connected back door channels and

UM said to NCAA: "Hey, this thing has gotten way out of control". 

NCAA response: "Yeah I know, nobody wants this B.S. hanging around all year about some damn cheeseburgers". "We all have better shit to do"  "Why don't you just self impose 3 games and we'll make sure this shit never see's the light of day???"

UM to Harb: "My mans an nem said keep coaching but sit out the first three games and this goes away without admitting anything"

Harb to UM: "I can do that"  

UM to NCAA: "Bet!!!"

Just food for thought . . .

TeslaRedVictorBlue

August 21st, 2023 at 3:26 PM ^

If that's the case, then why did they declare moral victory at 4 games to have the NCAA kick them in the face weeks later? Also, you're suggesting a level of competence that would indicate that UM's AD knows what they are doing and shaking hands early and often to get shit done. Nothing I've seen indicates that this is what's happening.

Also, it doesn't say CASE CLOSED. it says... self imposed... please like us. Nothing about this tells us that the matter is settled. It simply ensures they can't suspend him (as easily) later this season.

DMack

August 21st, 2023 at 3:36 PM ^

That's how things work in the legal community almost all the time. It's about the connections and I would venture to say that no one has better connections than UM. So what that Warde didn't handle it that way to begin (if he's to blame). The important thing is that it's probably going to be handled like that now. Everybody walks away eating a little crow and we all get to go on watching the game we love without distractions.

DMack

August 21st, 2023 at 10:44 PM ^

Just the way things are done in the real world. Cooler heads have to prevail. Do you really believe UM is going to join into this pissing contest? PLEASE!!! Michigan is Big-Time. The NCAA wants this behind them because they look petty as hell, right now going after Harb about some damn cheeseburgers. If he lied, so what, he isn't the first and wont be the last. The whole thing smells like a witch hunt and everyone can see it.  UM doesn't want their name in the media associated with this BS (suspected cheating) another day,

Trust and believe, a phone call was made and it was worked out through back channels with EVERYBODY. The NCAA told their guy "We got this from here bro. have a seat and thank you for your service" Reports are coming out now that Harb approved. I wouldn't expect anything less at the highest levels because it's done all day at the lowest levels. This is a done deal. Nothing Burger Gate is over. I don't want to watch court TV, I want to watch Donovan Edwards win the Heisman and UM the Natty, one game at a time. 4 real, 4 real.  

 

Midukman

August 21st, 2023 at 4:49 PM ^

Or the ncaa can add more games next year. I’d have told them to kiss both sides of my ass! If Harbaughs on board with this, then fine. If not you can bet your ass to apples that this will be the final thing with Ward that pushes him out the door. The only saving grace would be for UM to announce that they’ve made him one of the highest paid coaches in football with a contract extension. 

ImRightYouKnow

August 21st, 2023 at 1:37 PM ^

I'm sick of this Michigan attitude that we think we're holding the moral high ground by abiding by the NCAA rules. The NCAA is a corrupt organization, and saying "we follow the rules" no longer holds water when the organization we're respecting has been effectively ruled unconstitutional. 

I had a nice, heated argument with a fellow UM alum a couple years ago when NIL first came out. Everyone else was effectively paying players, and we were waiting on collectives to offer guys $5 per autograph. My friend kept hiding behind "but the NCAA says...", and my counter was "but the Supreme Court says...", and finally they countered with "but following the rules is what makes us better than the other schools."

So what has following the rules gotten us? We're basically hanging our coach out to dry, while the NCAA performs a witch hunt at the last school they know will not say "screw you, see you in court." 

We're allowing a corrupt organization to levy penalties on us for $50 worth of food given to a recruit. 

So please, someone, help make "we follow the NCAA rules, so we're better" make sense to me. 

meeashagin

August 21st, 2023 at 5:48 PM ^

Do you honestly think Harbaugh isn't in on this decision?

 

Also, do you really think Harbaugh is going to allow the NCAA to alter his life by going to the NFL? 

 

If Harbaugh goes to the NFL (which i personally don't think he's ever leaving) but if he does wouldn't it be to win a super bowl?

CTrace

August 21st, 2023 at 4:31 PM ^

I assume the fear is the NCAA will push for a 6 game suspension and they would rather break it up over two years instead of waiting until 2024. This way he doesn't miss any meaningful games this season and if they add on a few more games next year it will only impact an out of conference game vs. Texas. If they wait until next year, he may have to sit out potentially 6 games meaning missing 3 conference games.

UMfan21

August 21st, 2023 at 5:01 PM ^

EXACTLY!  We learned nothing from the Ed Martin fiasco.  We self-imposed, and the NCAA still tacked on additional penalties.    Same thing will happen this time around.  Meanwhile you've got schools like Tennessee blatantly handing out cash and telling the NCAA "fuck you" and they get no punishment.


Grow some balls Warde.

ahw1982

August 21st, 2023 at 7:19 PM ^

Or . . . hear me out . . .

University of Michigan Announces that September 23, 2023 Game Vs. Rutgers Will Be 'HAMBURGER DAY' at the Big House

The University of Michigan Athletic Department has announced that the fourth game of the season, on September 23, 2023 against Rutgers, will officially be "Hamburger Day" at the Big House.

All persons tailgating before the game will be legally obligated to distribute free hamburgers to anyone on request as a condition of parking in the tailgating area.

During the game, fans are encouraged to participate in Hamburger Day by purchasing a hamburger for the person immediately behind you at the concession stand.

The University has also partnered with the Dave Thomas Foundation to donate half of all proceeds from the game to the Wendy's affiliated charity, and Ann Arbor area Wendy's will distribute free hamburgers all day.

* - in order to ensure that no free hamburgers are provided to recruits visiting that weekend, visiting recruits at the game will be wearing shirts that say "NO FREE HAMBURGERS TO THIS GUY.  SIGNED: THE NCAA" to clearly communicate to fans that under no circumstances should any free hamburgers be given to these individuals.

WirlingDirvish

August 21st, 2023 at 1:03 PM ^

Probably trying to avoid a suspension for Texas next year. After the NCAA tacks on their obligatory 1 additional game, Harbaugh will be back on the sidelines for game 2 next season.

yossarians tree

August 21st, 2023 at 1:24 PM ^

The stupidity of this is almost poetic. From Michigan's athletic department and administration being the last still playing by the Marquess of Queensbury rules, to the NCAA's last gasps of trying to act relevant, to them deliberately targeting the man who is arguably the biggest star in the sport in one of it's premier programs, to him ultimately telling college football to go pound sand at the end of this season.

Blau

August 21st, 2023 at 1:05 PM ^

Is this only for games or will he be able to participate in all other football activities?

Also, what does Harbaugh plan to do for these three Saturdays? I say antiquing and wine tours.