Michigan Football Issues Statement Following Jim Harbaugh's Suspension From Big Ten

Michigan issued a statement of disappointment following the Big Ten's decision

The Big Ten conference waited for Michigan to start its flight to Penn State before announcing Jim Harbaugh's suspension. The Big Ten announced it was suspending Harbaugh for the final three regular-season games, but he could continue to coach the team during the week.

The suspension was leaked through ESPN and Pete Thamel before even the Michigan coaches or players were made aware. Once the team landed, the Wolverines sent out a statement of disappointment and confirmed they are seeking a court order that would permit coach Harbaugh to coach against Penn State on Saturday. 

"Like all members of the Big Ten Conference, we are entitled to a fair, deliberate, and thoughtful process to determine the full set of facts before a judgment is rendered. Today's action by Commissioner Tony Petitti disregards the Conference's own handbook, violates basic tenets of due process, and sets an untenable precedent of assessing penalties before an investigation has been completed. We are dismayed at the Commissioner's rush to judgment when there is an ongoing NCAA investigation - one in which we are fully cooperating!" 

"Commissioner Petitti's hasty action today suggests that this is more about reacting to pressure from other Conference members than a desire to apply the rules fairly and impartially. By taking this action at this hour, the Commissioner is personally inserting himself onto the sidelines and altering the level playing field that he is claiming to preserve. And, doing so on Veteran's Day - a court holiday - to try to thwart the University from seeking immediate judicial relief is hardly a profile in impartiality. To ensure fairness in the process, we intend to seek a court order, together with Coach Harbaugh, preventing this disciplinary action from taking effect."

Statement from Michigan: pic.twitter.com/A5EN4HaoAr

— angelique (@chengelis) November 10, 2023

The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for violating the sportsmanship code that is related to former Michigan staffer, Connor Stalions, sign-stealing scheme. 

We will continue to update when more information becomes available.