Guess that Stalions scandal finally took a massive turn by suspending Jim Harbaugh for a year and then also giving him a 4-year show-cause notice. For which the NCAA released a 48-page long document, for the matter. It is full and final that Jim had an “unethical conduct” plus he failed to promote “an atmosphere of compliance”, during the dead period of 2021.

However, the question is, is it justifiable as with that he has abandoned Sherrone Moore and many others? Keeping in mind the people that this scandal involved and also the strong allegations that were there on Jim himself? A show-cause, penalty is not that serious and he will get into college again anytime soon.

Jim’s selfishness exposed

The NCAA made it very clear that the decision that they have made “solely relates to Harbaugh’s conduct” after the school and the 5 staffers agreed to take a 3-year probation in April. The probation also included a fine of $5000 plus 1% of its budget and a handful of recruiting sanctions. On August 8th, Sir Barnsalot an X user tweeted about Jim Harbaugh, reflecting his selfish nature he wrote, “If there’s anyone left that think college athletes shouldn’t receive any monetary compensation, just look at Jim Harbaugh. Saw that the hammer was coming down, and bolted. No repercussions. Only players/people left at Michigan receive any punishment.” All of this is coming out of the charges pressed against Sherrone Moore and Jim around the Stalions scandal about the signature and wrong time approach to players.

NCAA finally made a decision and said, “violated recruiting and inducement rules, engaged in unethical conduct, failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and violated head coach responsibility obligations.” NCAA gave Jim a 4-year show cause order and 1 year of suspension. According to the NCAA Jim denied meeting with the two prospects NCAA mentioned in the report, “During the investigation in this case, Harbaugh denied meeting with the two prospects,” Jim made it very clear that he did not meet the prospects or even their fathers for that matter. But the facts are against him. NCAA in the report mentions, “In a subsequent interview he went further, unequivocally disputing that either meeting happened. Despite his denials, the weight of the factual information—including statements from the prospects, their fathers, and other football staff members, as well as documentation such as receipts and expense reports—demonstrates that Harbaugh was physically present and engaged in these meetings.” Indicating he has lied throughout. For such an offense is the punishment valid?

How strongly does the punishment affect Jim?

What exactly is the show-cause penalty that is imposed on Jim? Well, it has to do with him not moving to different schools within the NCAA. “He is barred from all athletically related activities, including team travel, practice, video study, recruiting, and team meetings,” as reported by the NCAA in the judgment notice. From Level I violations to Level II violations, he came way too far in his conduct. It is reported that Jim also “refused to participate in a hearing” before the committee of infractions. But what amplified the seriousness of the case was, his denial and the records supporting his “unethical conduct”, as the NCAA mentions it, “found that denying his conduct, which was plainly supported by the record, Harbaugh violated NCAA ethical conduct legislation.”

The show-cause order is running effective, from August 7th, 2024 to August 6th, 2028; that is 4 years of show-cause penalty on Jim Harbaugh. With that, Jim has left everyone in disdain with no-utterly serious charges on him. Even when all of it was his mistake and his non-compliance with the NCAA rules. But one thing is for sure, the NCAA is not going to set the culprits free. Stay updated for more news on what happens around the Stalions Scandal.