Michigan Will Appeal Record $20M Fine As Harbaugh Backs Away

The University of Michigan said it intends to appeal the minimum $20 million fine assessed by the NCAA on Friday as part of the school’s sign-stealing scandal. The Wolverines’ former coach at the helm during the offenses, however, is staying as far away from the situation as possible. 

Soon after the NCAA levied the stronger-than-expected penalty, the school pushed back, saying the governing body erred in reaching its conclusions. In addition to the monetary fine, the findings also led to additional penalties such as reductions in football recruiting activity and a four-year probation designation. 

“In a number of instances, the decision makes fundamental errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws; and it includes a number of conclusions that are directly contrary to the evidence—or lack of evidence—in the record,” Michigan said in a statement. “We will appeal this decision to ensure a fair result, and we will consider all other options.”

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, for his part, said he was relieved that the findings did not lead to a reduction in postseason opportunities, but added, “a postseason ban should never have been a consideration in this case. I fully support the university’s decision to pursue an appeal.”

A key motivation for the forthcoming appeal, and not simply moving on from the matter as quickly as possible, is the amount of money involved. Michigan’s total fine could ultimately exceed $30 million, depending in part on football postseason revenue sharing in 2025 and 2026 that will be forfeited as part of the sanctions. Such a figure would nearly quadruple the current NCAA record fine in an infractions case, an $8 million penalty assessed on the University of Tennessee in 2023 for recruiting violations. 

A formal notification of appeal is expected in the coming days, which will trigger an extended back-and-forth between the school and NCAA before the organization’s Infractions Appeal Committee. 

Harbaugh Is Mum

Jim Harbaugh, who led Michigan to the 2023 national title and is now head coach of the NFL’s Chargers, refused to address the matter late Saturday after his current team dropped a preseason game to the Rams.

“Like I said to you last year, not engaging,” Harbaugh said. “Not engaging.”

Harbaugh has consistently maintained his innocence and that he did not know about the sign-stealing being done by former Michigan football staff member Connor Stalions. The NCAA’s findings, however, pointed to “overwhelming” evidence of a cover-up by Wolverines staff, and that Harbaugh “failed to demonstrate that he adequately promoted compliance or monitored his program.” 

Additionally, Harbaugh is effectively restricted from collegiate athletic activities until August 2038, when he’ll be 74.