Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has reversed position and accepted the Big Ten’s three-game sideline
punishment in the wake of the program’s sign-stealing controversy.
Michigan indicated in a statement that Harbaugh will serve the balance of his punishment and that the conference’s
investigation is complete:
The Big Ten disciplined the Wolverines prior of their 24-15 victory over Penn State. Michigan was originally
unsuccessful in obtaining a temporary restraining order, which would have allowed him to remain on the sidelines.
However, another hearing on the case was planned for Friday, and Harbaugh indicated that he will attend.
“I’m going to talk on Friday,” he told reporters. “I am just looking forward to the opportunity—due procedure. I’m
not seeking for special treatment or a popularity contest; I’m looking for the merits of the case.
That’s why Thursday’s announcement is rather surprising. It appeared that Michigan was prepared to exhaust all of
its options before Harbaugh was forced to miss Saturday’s game against Maryland or the regular-season finale
against Ohio State on November 25.
While Harbaugh and Michigan’s relationship with the Big Ten has ended, he is still under investigation by the NCAA
about whether the school illegally interpreted opponents’ sideline signals.
Former Wolverines employee Connor Stalions reportedly purchased tickets to several games featuring other Big Ten
teams and potential College Football Playoff prospects in order to capture their signs. Central Michigan and the
NCAA are also investigating whether he inappropriately obtained sideline access during a game versus Michigan
State earlier this season.
Harbaugh has denied knowing of any purposeful effort by the Stallion or others to live-scout games in violation of
NCAA rules with the aim of decoding signals.
