Eric Boggs
Michigan football faces three years of probation due to coaching and recruiting violations known as Burgergate, which is separate from the sign-stealing scandal that came to light this past season and involves improper advanced scouting beginning in 2021 and running through 2023. The NCAA announced this on Tuesday. Michigan and five current or former football staffers reached an agreement with the NCAA about these violations and their penalties. The penalties for Michigan include three years of probation, a fine, and recruiting restrictions. The five individuals agreed to one-year show-cause orders.
The violations include impermissible in-person recruiting during a COVID-19 dead period, impermissible tryouts, and exceeding the number of allowed coaches. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh was cited for a “responsibility violation” and failure to cooperate with the NCAA investigation. Michigan also acknowledged failing to prevent impermissible recruiting contacts and ensuring compliance with noncoaching staff rules.
One former coach’s case will be considered separately by the NCAA Committee of Infractions. The committee approved the agreement but will not discuss further details to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The committee will decide on potential violations and penalties for Harbaugh later. Michigan and the five individuals can serve their penalties while awaiting the committee’s final decision.
It may appear that Michigan has escaped punishment, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. The NCAA continues to investigate their sign-stealing scandal, which many believe will deliver much harsher penalties to the program from Ann Arbor.
