Jim Harbaugh discusses meeting with Big Ten, potential punishment amid sign-stealing investigation
Michigan might be rolling on the field, earning another huge win on Saturday night against Purdue. But the story surrounding the program remains off the field with the sign-stealing investigation. Head coach Jim Harbaugh once again had to face questions about the situation but with some new information being revealed.
Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti recently met with the Michigan administration and Harbaugh was asked for comment. He decided to talk about the fight in his team instead, once again saying how a ton of them will be playing in the NFL one day.
“I appreciate your question,” Harbaugh began. “Not allowed to talk about it, not talking about him, really want to talk about the game. The guys were such stalwarts. The comments keep coming about why they’re good, how they’re good. They’re just good. If you know football and you watch our guys play, I’ve said it before, there’s 20, 22, 23 guys that’ll be playing on Sundays next year.
“I truly believe there’s another 30, 35 right behind them that’ll return and others that will be developing. It’s just really good players. If you know football, just watch the game, turn on the tape, that’s why they’re so good. They’re good at it.”
At the current moment, it’s impossible to discuss Michigan without the investigation coming up. No matter how well they are playing, there is a cloud hanging over the program’s head.
Purdue head coach Ryan Walters was clearly upset with Harbaugh throughout the week, discussing the investigation openly heading into the game and then having a moment during the postgame handshake.
Harbaugh thinks it’s fueling his team though, calling it a “gift.” His players seem to be thriving on the negative connotation of the team.
“Stalwarts, savage warriors, yeah, go ahead and question them about why they’re good, how they got good,” Jim Harbaugh said. “It’s practically a priceless gift to get to where we want to go.”
There are still plenty of questions surrounding the investigation. Reportedly, the Big Ten has discussed a potential punishment for Harbaugh. Looking at a broader scale in terms of the national championship picture, the College Football Playoff has stated it’s not really their problem, with the NCAA being the one calling the shots.
Harbaugh was asked if any penalties did come down on the program, would he accept them? His reply was “I respect your question. As you know, I’m not in a position to answer that.”
As for the support Michigan president Santa Ono has provided through the process, the head coach admitted it’s “deeply appreciated.”