Reports: Jim Harbaugh Might Face Punishment

There has been a lot of conjecture over Jim Harbaugh’s future with the Michigan Wolverines after this season due to two ongoing NCAA investigations. Not even the majority of those who participated in this week’s Reacts Survey think Harbaugh will be in Ann Arbor next year.

Thus, should Harbaugh return to the professional ranks, he could not be immune to a penalty in the event that the NCAA chooses to pursue legal action against him over the two pending investigations.

Reports: Jim Harbaugh Might Face Punishment

According to a report on Sunday morning from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the NFL would likely not be a “safe harbor” for Harbaugh, “Raising the strong possibility Harbaugh would need to serve some or all of any possible suspension he could  face in college if he returns to the pros.”

Jim Tressel, a former Ohio State coach, was used by league sources as an example.

Tressel was brought on by the Colts in 2011 as their replay consultant. Tressel was given a five-game suspension by the NCAA for misleading investigators about the perks that Ohio State athletes received. Thus, Tressel was punished by the Colts for six games, perhaps with some encouragement from the league.

The two NFL insiders find this noteworthy because, according to their sources, the NFL and its franchises might approach Harbaugh’s potential collegiate suspension in a similar manner to that of former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel and quarterback Terrell Pryor.

NCAA transgressions have not always resulted in punishment from the NFL. Numerous athletes who violated NCAA rules or particular school sanctions at that level were not punished in the NFL.

In addition, many coaches believed that Pete Carroll’s 2010 transfer to the Seattle Seahawks was a means of avoiding punishment from the NCAA (which, although it was vacated wins rather than a suspension, announced penalties for USC in June 2010 following Carroll’s January 2010 move, occurred while the investigation and ruling were ongoing).

Connor Stalions, a staff member who is now on suspension, is at the core of an exceedingly intricate and precise sign-stealing operation that is allegedly being handled by Harbaugh’s program. According to rumors, Stalions was the focal point of a cheating operation that recorded prospective opponents’ sides.

https://twitter.com/Commissioner69/status/1716662765182447962

Many things have to be ascertained, such as the extent and timing of Harbaugh’s knowledge. Even if the 59-year-old head coach leaves to play professionally, all indications suggest he will pay a significant price for it.

 

 

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