Pete Thamel: 'Legal battle' expected if Big Ten suspends Jim Harbaugh

ESPN’s Pete Thamel has provided the latest update in the Michigan sign-stealing drama involving Connor Stalions, and he’s not expecting any action from the Big Ten for the next couple of days.

According to Thamel, the Big Ten’s sportsmanship rules will have them waiting at least until the next 48 hours are over. Additionally, sources have told ESPN that there’ll be a legal battle if the conferences decides to suspend Jim Harbaugh.

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“Don’t expect any action by the Big Ten in the Michigan sign stealing case for at least the next 48 hours, as the league’s sportsmanship rules allow for a ‘reasonable’ chance to respond to an institution or individual,” Thamel posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Sources have told ESPN that they’ll be a legal battle if there’s a punitive suspension by the Big Ten to Jim Harbaugh.”

Alas, while it seems as if we could receive some more answers this week on what’s to happen to the Michigan program, it’s evident this process is going to be drawn out. It’s not going away any time soon.

Paul Finebaum calls out the lack of objectivity in coverage of Michigan scandal

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum is tired of hearing about the CFP committee and Michigan. In particular, as Finebaum explained on The Matt Barrie Show, he’s tired of hearing the way some figures are covering Michigan amid the scandal.

“I’m so exhausted hearing about the committee and the battles, and I know you are even more than I am because I finally can walk away from it on Saturday and you can’t,” Finebaum said. “But this Michigan-Ohio State situation, it will correct itself, assuming Michigan is still around and I’m kind of tired of that story too. Although, it still remains the story of college football.”

Michigan is under investigation for a staffer, Connor Stalions, buying tickets at future opponents’ games and sending people to watch and record the sidelines of future opponents from those seats. There are still questions about how much head coach Jim Harbaugh knew and how extensive the impermissible scouting and use of technology to record sidelines extends. 

“The thing about the Michigan story, not to digress, is… what really annoys me is the lack of objectivity. I know what people say about us, and that’s fine, everybody’s entitled to their opinions but I can assure you that nobody at the network that we work at is being told what to say. We’re not carrying the network flag,” Finebaum said. 

“Michigan is a great university and they have a great football team, and if they win the national championship, that’s great. Doesn’t change my life, doesn’t change yours. But, I don’t think you can accurately say that about some other commentators who have a vested interest in Michigan being successful.”

On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this article.