Jim Harbaugh: ‘Not looking for special treatment — just due process’
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged he would be in court Friday for a hearing that could determine his coaching fate for the next two games. Harbaugh plans to be at the Washtenaw County Courthouse Nov. 17, where if asked to speak he will request “due process” in an investigation into alleged illegal on-site scouting by staffer Connor Stalions.
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The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh on Veteran’s Day while the team was in the air for State College, Pa. Friday, leaving U-M very little time to respond on a holiday. Though they filed a motion for a temporary restraining order, judges failed to rule and instead set a hearing — a rare occurrence, per several litigators who have weighed in. It is set for Judge Timothy Connors’ courtroom.
“I’m going to talk on Friday. I’m just looking for that opportunity,” Harbaugh said. “Due process. I’m not looking for special treatment — not looking for a popularity contest, just the merit of what the case is.
“As s a senior in high school I had a civics class, talked about government and justice. What I took away from that class was you’re innocent until proven guilty. That was 40 years ago, but I’d like that opportunity.”
He admitted he’s not sure if he’ll get it, however.
“I don’t know how it’s going to go exactly,” he said. “I’m going to be able to go, though, but that’s not my dance floor. I’m not an attorney. I always wanted to be. I’ve watched a lot of shows; watched Judge Judy. I always kind of felt like it would be cool to thunder away at a jury like Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men … alas, I did not go to law school. This is the first time I’ve really been in this situation.”
Harbaugh thanked Michigan President Santa Ono, the Regents, and athletic director Warde Manuel for their support in backing him up in his request. With many in the national media having piled on in recent weeks, it really has felt like “Michigan vs. Everybody,” and Harbaugh has been pleased with the response.
He didn’t hear about the suspension from anyone at the Big Ten offices, he noted, but found out on social media.
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“Warde was pretty upset, too, that he heard through social media, not through the Big Ten office,” Harbaugh said. “Tremendous support. Warde has been 10 toes down. He’s standing right here with us.
“… I said this before, but our fan base, our team is already galvanized. They’re already connected; they’re together. But I’m feeling a galvanized Michigan, the university. The alumni network … largest living alumni network for any school in the world, and the fan base, which goes coast to coast and worldwide, really being galvanized.That’s a tremendous things, a monumental thing, everybody fighting like the team we’re supposed to be. That’s going to be tough to beat.”
Sherrone Moore will continue to coach if Harbaugh can’t
Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore took the reins for the game at Penn State and led the Wolverines to a 24-15 victory. He’ll continue to get the nod if the Harbaugh suspension is upheld.
“We’ve got a lot of leaders …. 10 coaches that will be future head coaches. I think four would be coaches after this year,” Harbaugh said. “Sherrone is the best of the best. His toughness, mental toughness, physical toughness. There’s nobody that doubts Sherrone Moore and his dedication, his connection, his commitment to the team.”
