Michigan football, Big Ten readying for a legal fight

According to multiple reports, Michigan football and the Big Ten could be headed for a court fight over Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh. 

Sunday was another important day in the Michigan football sign-stealing saga as leadership from the university was negotiating with the Big Ten according to Chris Balas of The Wolverine.

It sounds like the Big Ten is determined to suspend Jim Harbaugh. There have been reports that Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti wants Harbaugh suspended indefinitely, pending the result of an investigation which is crazy, because the Big Ten hasn’t even opened an official investigation.

Michigan football hasn’t even received notification of the NCAA investigation or a notice of allegations relating to the Burgergate issue.

Michigan President Santa Ono signaled Michigan’s position in a letter to the Big Ten commissioner, published by The Wolverine.

Ono expressed the need for “due process.” He was also setting the stage for Michigan to go to court this week if the Big Ten tries to suspend Jim Harbaugh.

Petitti would have the authority, it appears to suspend Harbaugh for two games under the league’s sportsmanship policy, but anything beyond that would need to get approval from an executive committee of Presidents and ADs.

You would also think that would require the Big Ten to do its own investigation and fact-finding. That’s why if the league does take that unprecedented action, Sam Webb, Balas, and others are reporting that Michigan would seek an injunction.

As David Schuster reports, outside of any evidence that Jim Harbaugh knew of the scheme or covered up, which hasn’t come forth, a suspension for him isn’t something that Michigan football is going to self-impose or take lying down.

Another interesting aspect of all of this is that if Michigan does go to court, it could lead to a trial, and discovery, which is probably the last thing the Big Ten and other programs want since Michigan is signaling quite loudly that it has dirt of its own on opponents. According to Josh Henschke, the Wolverines are prepared to act on that information.

Frankly, Michigan should push back on any suspension for this season. There hasn’t been an investigation and the Wolverines deserve a chance to defend their position.

The Big Ten shouldn’t take part in a trial by the media, which is what’s taking place right now. It should cede to the NCAA — which has the true investigative ability.

That’s what Santa Ono suggested in his letter and if the Big Ten tries to act to please whiny head coaches and athletic directors — then game on.

Let’s hope they are sitting in glass houses.