Michigan President Santa Ono to Big Ten: ‘Due process matters’

Michigan football is under investigation but U-M President Santa Ono made clear that the Wolverines will fight for due process. 

One of the things most clear about the Michigan football scandal is that Ohio State — the biggest benefactor from any Michigan penalty — is leading the mob in this witch hunt.

You might say “Look at all the evidence” to argue that this isn’t a witch hunt. But call it a witch hunt, mob rule, or whatever, if there is no due process, there is something wrong.

And thankfully, that is the position that Michigan President Santa Ono has taken.

In an exclusive from The Wolverine, the email sent from Ono to the Big Ten commissioner on Thursday has been made public.

"“We are fully cooperating with the NCAA in its investigation, as it seeks to separate the facts from irresponsible speculation seen in much of the public and social media discourse.“It’s precisely at these times — when all key facts are not known but others are all too comfortable offering strongly held opinion — that it is essential for everyone to ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and that conclusions are based on what actually happened.  The reputation and livelihoods of coaches, students, and programs cannot be sacrificed in a rush to judgment, no matter how many and how loudly people protest otherwise.  Due process matters.”"

It has been reported that the Big Ten is seeking to “drop the hammer” on Michigan football or at least on head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Connor Stalions resigned on Friday and also released a statement claiming that nobody else on the staff, including Jim Harbaugh, knew about any rule-breaking.

Stalions was the man connected to ticket purchases for other games. It’s also suspected he was on the sidelines, wearing a disguise for the Central Michigan vs. Michigan State game this fall.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that a suspension could be coming this week by the Big Ten. But here’s what Ono said of any possible punishment without an investigation.

"“The best course of action, the one far more likely to ascertain the facts, is to await the results of the NCAA investigation.  But if you refuse to let the NCAA investigative process play out, the Big10 may not take any action against the University or its players or coaches without commencing its own investigation and offering us the opportunity to provide our position.  That is not just required by our conference rules; it is a matter of basic fairness. “"

It would be hypocritical for the Big Ten to suspend Jim Harbaugh for violating the league’s sportsmanship policy without following anything that resembles a fair process.

Instead, it would be mob rule directed by Ohio State — the program that stands to gain the most from Michigan football receiving any sort of punishment.