John Harbaugh on Michigan sign-stealing investigation: 'They don't have anything of substance'

As the situation continues to unfold at Michigan, and Jim Harbaugh faces a three-game suspension pending a judge’s decision, his brother has now weighed in. Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh addressed the situation on Tuesday and provided a strong defense of his brother.

Jim Harbaugh received a three-game suspension from the Big Ten and commissioner Tony Petitti just prior to last week’s game against Penn State under the league’s sportsmanship policy. The league confirmed it didn’t have any information directly implicating Harbaugh in the sign-stealing scheme ran by former analyst Connor Stalions, but acknowledged the suspension was a punishment against the university rather than the coach.

On Tuesday, John Harbaugh confirmed officials looked through Jim’s belongings, but he maintained his brother’s innocence in the scheme.

“His phones, his computers and all that stuff have been looked at, and he’s come through this thing with flying colors,” John Harbaugh said, via the AP. “I don’t know what they are trying to get, but they don’t have anything of substance, and I just think I’m proud of him. I think it’s a real compliment to our family and to him, something for us to be proud of.”

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan are preparing to make their case for the judge to grant the temporary restraining order against the Big Ten on Friday morning during a hearing in Washtenaw County. Under the suspension imposed by the conference, Harbaugh can coach during the week but can’t be on the sidelines during games.

If things stay status quo, Sherrone Moore will again serve as the acting head coach against Maryland on Saturday.

Michigan has been vocal in its opposition to Harbaugh’s suspension. Athletic director Warde Manuel blasted the Big Ten in his statement, which came after the program learned of the suspension through social media, Harbaugh said Monday.

Between Manuel and UM president Santa Ono, Harbaugh acknowledged the support he’s gotten from the university.

“Oh, tremendous support,” Harbaugh said. “Warde has been 10 toes down. He’s standing right here with us. His support, President Ono’s support, the board of regents. And I said our fan bas is already galvanized. I mean, they’re already connected. They’re together but well, I’m feeling a galvanized Michigan University alumni network and all the alums, largest living alumni body in the world, for any school and the fan base, which goes coast to coast and worldwide, really being galvanized. 

“That’s tremendous. That’s a monumental thing when you think about it. Everybody is fighting like the team we’re supposed to be and that’s gonna be tough to beat.”