Jim Harbaugh accepts three-game suspension, will officially not coach against Ohio State
COLUMBUS — Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will serve out the rest of his three-game suspension from the Big Ten, including the No. 3 Wolverines’ regular season finale against rival No. 2 Ohio State.
In turn, according to a statement from Michigan Thursday, the Big Ten will end its investigation into Wolverines’ sign-stealing operation, which centered around former staffer Connor Stalions.
“Today’s decision by the University of Michigan to withdraw its legal challenge against the Conference’s November 10th Notice of Disciplinary Action is indicative of the high standards and values that the Conference and the University seek to uphold,” the Big Ten said in its statement Thursday. “The University of Michigan is a valued member of the Big Ten Conference and the Conference will continue to work cooperatively with the University and the NCAA during this process.”
That last sentence is key. The NCAA investigation into Michigan remains ongoing.
Here’s Michigan’s complete statement from Thursday afternoon:
“This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation. The Conference agreed to close its investigation, and the University and Coach Harbaugh agreed to accept the three-game suspension. Coach Harbaugh, with the University’s support, decided to accept this sanction to return the focus to our student-athletes and their performance on the field.
“The Conference has confirmed that it is not aware of any information suggesting Coach Harbaugh’s involvement in the allegations. The University continues to cooperate fully with the NCAA’s investigation.”
Harbaugh as well as lawyers representing Michigan and the Big Ten were set to appear at the Washtenaw County Courthouse in Ann Arbor Friday morning. Judge Timothy Connors was expected to hear Harbaugh’s plea to wipe away the three-game suspension enforced by the Big Ten under its sportsmanship policy last week, a suspension that allowed Harbaugh to coach during the week but not in games.
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That suspension was handed down while Harbaugh was mid-flight to State College, where his undefeated Wolverines ultimately defeated then-No. 10 Penn State, 24-15, with interim head coach Sherrone Moore at the helm.
Before the game, Michigan filed a motion for a temporary restraining order that would allow Harbaugh to coach that day against Penn State. But there was no immediate ruling — rather Friday’s hearing was scheduled.
Harbaugh discussed the scheduled hearing during his weekly press conference Monday.
“As a senior in high school, I had a civics class,” Harbaugh said. “We talked about government, justice. What I took away from the class was that you’re innocent until proven guilty. That was 40 years ago. I’d like that opportunity.”
But Harbaugh won’t be in court Friday. And he won’t be coaching against Maryland or Ohio State the final two weeks of the regular season.
Now, the Big Ten appears to be giving way to the NCAA and its investigation.
