The latest on Jim Harbaugh extension, likely suspension
It’s been a wild 24 hours for Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh. Here’s the latest.
It’s becoming hard to separate the days in the Michigan football scandal, but Friday was an important day as Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti met with Santa Ono and others including Warde Manuel (AD).
According to multiple reports, Petitti and the Big Ten wanted Michigan to act to suspend Harbaugh. Michigan declined that request, citing due process and the fact that an actual investigation needs to be done.
So no punishment has been levied against Harbaugh by the Big Ten yet. However, Pete Thamel of ESPN reported on College Gameday that a suspension could be coming this week.
Latest on the Big Ten’s potential punishment of Michigan in the sign stealing investigation. Expect clarity in the upcoming days, with a suspension of Jim Harbaugh looming as the most likely punishment. From @CollegeGameDay. pic.twitter.com/y9UG2Zf5ym
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 4, 2023
It sounds like the Big Ten could try to impose an “indefinite suspension” this week or as Chris Balas reports, “drop the hammer.” Balas also said that according to one source, the only way Jim Harbaugh might be able to coach against Ohio State is through a legal injunction.
However, if the Big Ten acts beyond the two games, which is the sole authority of the commissioner without going to an executive committee — which shouldn’t be done without opening an investigation — court is where Harbaugh needs to take this.
If Michigan football did something wrong, it should be punished. But it deserves an investigation, due process, and all the same things that every other school would want and is entitled to.
Also, in terms of the last four games, all of those teams are aware of the issue and should be able to take steps to counter it — so there is no possible competitive advantage at this point.
But as John U. Bacon points out, we are in uncharted territory which means we don’t know anything in terms of how anyone will act — the Big Ten and NCAA included.
Bacon, who has tremendous sources around Michigan football, also reports that the contract extension with Jim Harbaugh is still moving forward.
Aside: UM is proceeding with Harbaugh's contract.
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) November 4, 2023
So buckle up. This thing is far from over and soon enough, the Big Ten is likely to try and enforce some kind of punishment on Jim Harbaugh.
Next. 5 predictions for Michigan football vs. Purdue. dark
Good thing he’s never been one to back down from a fight.