State of Michigan lawmakers pen letter to Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti requesting due process for U-M
Michigan Wolverines football could face punishment from the Big Ten — including a potential head coach Jim Harbaugh suspension — as it weighs whether or not to step in immediately under the conference’s sportsmanship policy amid an NCAA investigation into the program for alleged illegal in-person scouting of future opponents. Wednesday, 11 state of Michigan lawmakers signed a letter sent to Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti urging him to afford U-M due process.
“Dear Mr. Petitti,” the letter began. “As members of the Michigan legislature, we write to you today to urge you to act prudently and refrain from taking any premature measures against one of our state universities, including their athletic program, football team or coaching staff. These individuals are our constituents, and we feel the need to ensure they are treated fairly.
“In the legislature, we pass laws to ensure every citizen and organization in Michigan is guaranteed their rights to due process under the law. These principles of justice should also be followed by the Big Ten Conference. Allegations of misconduct against conference members from the State of Michigan should be taken seriously, but accusations, especially those made by interested parties, must be met with thoughtful and thorough investigations based on fairness for all of those involved.
“We all know the passion surrounding college athletics, not only in our state, but around the country. With social media speculation and public rumors running wild, it is important that any investigation and determination is based on carefully considered facts. The University of Michigan and its football program, like all of our collegiate athletic programs, is entitled to an impartial and deliberate process that takes into account all evidence, allows for opportunities for the accused to refute allegations, and comes to conclusions based on the whole truth.
“It is essential that the Big Ten Conference not take any disciplinary action against the University of Michigan until the final results of its own or, more appropriately, the NCAA investigation are officially announced. Should those results demonstrate misconduct, an appropriate punishment should be imposed. In the meantime, the players and coaches should be free to continue to participate in the game that they love without being punished with premature or unsubstantiated sanctions.
“Should you, as the Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, rush to judgement or engage in any ill-considered actions, we will vigorously support our public universities in their efforts to compel fairness and due process.
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“We appreciate your attention to this letter, and hope it serves as a buttress to your commitment to fair treatment for all of those who participate in college athletics.”
The following Michigan legislators signed the letter: Representative Phil Skaggs, Representative Graham Filler, Representative Donovan McKinney, Representative Carrie Rheingans, Representative Jennifer A. Conlin, Representative Jason Morgan, Representative Felicia Brabec, Senator Sue Shink, Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr., Senator John Cherry and Representative Alabas Farhat.
The NCAA reportedly does not have evidence that Harbaugh was involved with or directed the alleged scouting, which were apparently operated by former Michigan low-level staffer Connor Stalions. If the Big Ten does suspend Harbaugh, sources tell TheWolverine.com, U-M and the coach are prepared to file an injunction in court in hopes that he will be able to remain coaching the team this season and beyond.
Michigan is 9-0 and stands No. 3 in the College Football Playoff Rankings. The Wolverines take on No. 10 Penn State Saturday in Happy Valley.
