All week, there has been talk of the Big Ten punishing Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football program, but nothing has happened. The Wolverines are being investigated for illegal sign-stealing, and Connor Stalions, the staffer in charge of the scheme, recently resigned. Many Big Ten coaches and ADs have been pressuring the conference to punish Michigan, and while they haven’t shown the Wolverines any evidence of Harbaugh’s involvement, they may still do so. On Friday morning, the entire situation was given a major update.
According to Heather Dinich of Get Up, the Big Ten is expected to respond to Michigan football’s punishment early Friday afternoon.
“Sources indicate that the Big Ten will give Michigan a response early this afternoon,” Heather Dinich, a spokeswoman for Michigan, said. “Michigan departs at 1 p.m., and they fly mid-afternoon… Last night, Michigan sources told me and a colleague that they had not communicated with the Big Ten, and no evidence has been presented to Michigan that Jim Harbaugh knew, orchestrated any of this, or lied. We’ve learned that the Big Ten has considered a wide range of punishments. We’re hearing this morning that it could be a three-game suspension, which would be significant, and that it could begin this weekend.”
That would be a significant punishment given that the Wolverines’ final three games are against #10 Penn State, Maryland, and #1 Ohio State. Michigan will almost certainly want their head coach to be on the sidelines for those games.
“It’s certainly possible,” Dinich said of Harbaugh missing the final three regular-season games for Michigan. “From what I understand, the Big Ten is unconcerned about Michigan’s travel plans.” They’ll make an announcement when they feel it’s appropriate and when they’re ready.”
One thing to keep in mind is that this is completely separate from the NCAA, and the Big Ten has not launched its own investigation into the Michigan football program.
“Now, there are two separate things going on here,” Dinich explained. “For starters, the NCAA is conducting its own investigation. According to my understanding, the Big Ten has not launched its own investigation. It is relying on information gathered from the NCAA, as well as other reports that have been released.”
If the Big Ten does try to suspend Harbaugh, Michigan may be able to get the ruling overturned, allowing him to continue coaching. According to Pete Thamel, Harbaugh’s lawyer, Tom Mars, expects Harbaugh to be on the team plane on Friday as Michigan departs for a game against Penn State. It will be fascinating to see how this plays out.
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