Michigan AD Warde Manuel Releases Powerful Statement Defending Jim Harbaugh

The Michigan AD Warde Manuel doesn't hold back after releasing a statement defending Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh has been suspended for the remainder of the regular season by the Big Ten. Commissioner Tony Petitti banned Harbaugh from coaching on Saturdays for the final three games but granted him permission to coach the team during their weekly practices. 

Michigan filed for a TRO and there was plenty of confidence it would go through to allow Harbaugh to coach on Saturday against Penn State -- but it turned out there wouldn't be a ruling. 

Instead, there will be a hearing on Friday, Nov. 17 to determine if Harbaugh will be granted a TRO.

Once the TRO would not be ruled on, Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel released a very powerful statement.

Warde Manuel issues statement defending Jim Harbaugh / Michigan

A couple of lines stand out:

"All of the Head Coaches in the Big Ten (some who have been accused of actively participating in the trading of signals) & my Big Ten AD colleagues can rejoice that someone was 'held accountable,' but they should be worried about the new standard of judgment (without complete investigation) that has been unleashed in this conference."

And

"You may have removed him from our sidelines today, but Jim Harbaugh is our head football coach. We look forward to defending Jim's right to coach our football team at the hearing on Friday."

Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is the acting head coach against Penn State.