After being handed a three-game suspension last week by the Big Ten amid the conference’s investigation into the program’s sign stealing, head coach Jim Harbaugh – after the university had looked into legal action to keep Harbaugh on the sidelines – will serve the remainder of his suspension without a fight and will not coach against Maryland or Ohio State to finish the regular season.
One day before Michigan’s temporary restraining order request was supposed to be heard, Michigan decided to withdraw its legal challenge against the Big Ten and accept the punishment, and the conference agreed to stop its investigation into the football program because of it.
“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.”
The Big Ten released its own statement on the agreement between the conference and the school after the news had been reported.
“The Big Ten Conference’s commitment to student-athletes, sportsmanship and the Commissioner’s duty to protect the integrity of competition will never waver,” the statement read. “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 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.”
Harbaugh already missed the Wolverines game against Penn State on Nov. 11 which they won 24-15, holding at No. 3 in the College Football Playoff fankings. While the punishment from the conference is now resolved, the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan’s sign stealing will continue.
