Jim Harbaugh denies any involvement in Michigan sign-stealing allegations: 'I do not apologize'

2024-08-05
3 min read
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Despite departing college football for the NFL, Jim Harbaugh is still facing repercussions from the sign-stealing scandal that rocked Michigan's title-winning season.

In the story's latest development, the NCAA has delivered a notice of allegations to Michigan football outlining the violations made by the 2023 program. Harbaugh is one of the individuals accused of violating NCAA rules, alongside new Wolverine head coach Sherrone Moore and former staffer Connor Stalions. 

The situation is far from being resolved, and Harbaugh is facing questions about it at his new workplace.

Here's what he said about the newest updates to the sign-stealing case during Chargers' training camp.

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What Jim Harbaugh said about latest Michigan sign-stealing allegations

With news emerging about the NCAA's notice of allegations to the Michigan football program, Harbaugh addressed the situation to the media at Chargers' training camp on Monday.

"Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal. I was raised with that lesson. I've raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams that I've coached," Harbaugh said, as reported The Athletic's Daniel Popper.

"No one's perfect," Harbaugh continued. "If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right. Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations. It's back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."

Harbaugh is accused of committing Level 1 violations, the most serious category in the NCAA's enforcement process. Allegedly, he did not cooperate because he "denied the NCAA's request to view relevant messages and cellphone records from his personal cellphone, per ESPN.

The draft also says he could face a "show-cause" restriction if he ever returns to college sports.