The Big Ten, led by Commissioner Tony Petitti, has slammed the Michigan Wolverines for their sign-stealing scandal, suspending head coach Jim Harbaugh for the rest of the regular season. Michigan, on the other hand, is not going away quietly, and plans to seek a court order and fight the league’s disciplinary action on Friday. Harbaugh’s availability for Saturday’s game is still up in the air.
Michigan’s response to the Big Ten’s disciplinary action. Confirms that a TRO will be sought in order for Jim Harbaugh to coach on Saturday.
The Michigan Wolverines have issued a statement.
The University of Michigan’s reaction to the suspension is making the rounds on social media, with the university expressing its displeasure with the decision.
“Commissioner Tony Petitti’s actions today violate the Conference’s own handbook, basic tenets of due process, and set an untenable precedent of assessing penalties before an investigation has been completed.” “We are dismayed by the Commissioner’s hasty judgment when there is an ongoing NCAA investigation – one in which we are fully cooperating,” the University said of how they arrived at a conclusion that resulted in frontman Jim Harbaugh being suspended.
“By taking this action at this hour, the Commissioner (Tony Petitti) is personally inserting himself onto the sideline and altering the level playing field that he claims to preserve,” the Wolverines continued. And doing so on Veteran’s Day – a court holiday – to try to prevent the University from seeking judicial relief is hardly impartial.”
“We plan to request a court order to stop this disciplinary action from happening, along with Coach Harbaugh.”
Jim Harbaugh: Suspended from Gameday Coaching Due to Sign-Stealing Scandal
Jim Harbaugh was handed the Big Ten’s book after his team was involved in a sign-stealing scandal earlier this season. The bench boss was suspended for the regular season as the league disciplined the program under its sportsmanship policy in the midst of the ongoing NCAA investigation. Harbaugh is barred from entering the stadium on game day, but he can coach his team during practice. Harbaugh’s availability for Saturday’s high-profile game against the top-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions could be decided in court, as the Michigan Wolverines will appeal the Big Ten’s decision.
Connor Stalions resigned as an analyst earlier this month after becoming the scapegoat in the sign-stealing scandal. The Stallion were accused of paying people to attend opposing team games and decipher their signals.
