Big Ten issues statement on Michigan, Jim Harbaugh accepting suspension, ending legal challenge

Shortly after Michigan announced that head football coach Jim Harbaugh would accept his three-game suspension from the league and the university would withdraw its challenge in court, the Big Ten released a statement on the matter.

The league said the decision by Michigan was “indicative of the high standards and values” that both the league and school wish to uphold. A hearing for a temporary restraining order against the Big Ten and Tony Petitti was originally scheduled for Friday morning.

“The Big Ten Conference’s commitment to student-athletes, sportsmanship and the commissioner’s duty to protect the integrity of competition will never waver. Today’s decision by the University of Michigan to withdraw its legal challenge against the conference’s November 10th notice of disciplinary action is indicative of the high standards and values that the conference and the university seek to uphold. The University of Michigan is a valued member of the Big Ten Conference and the conference will continued to work cooperatively with the university and the NCAA during this process,” the statement said.

By accepting the suspension, Harbaugh will be unable to coach his team from the sidelines during the final two regular season games: at Maryland and against Ohio State

Michigan announced the suspension on Thursday afternoon

“This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh, and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation,” a Michigan statement read. “The Conference agreed to close its investigation, and the University and Coach Harbaugh agreed to accept the three-game suspension.

“Coach Harbaugh, with the University’s support, decided to accept this sanction to return the focus to our student-athletes and their performance on the field. The Conference has confirmed that it is not aware of any information suggesting Coach Harbaugh’s involvement in the allegations. The University continues to cooperate fully with the NCAA investigation.”

Harbaugh served the first game of his suspension last week during a game against Penn State. Michigan won 24-15 to remain unbeaten.

The entire ordeal began when the NCAA opened up an investigation into whether Michigan had been running a sign-stealing operation following the submission of “credible evidence” to the organization.

In the weeks that have followed, the investigation has centered on Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who allegedly purchased tickets and arranged for tickets for others to sit in on future opponents’ games and scout them. Doing so is against NCAA rules if those opponents are in the same season, while use of video equipment to record a sideline is strictly prohibited.