Jim Harbaugh Accepts Suspension, Will Not Coach vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for the final three games of the regular season last week, following the Big Ten's independent investigation into the team's alleged sign-stealing scandal.
Now, Harbaugh has elected to accept that suspension, and will no longer be seeking a temporary restraining order against the Big Ten, closing the conference's investigation, and keeping him off the sidelines for the final two games of the year.
In other words, Harbaugh will not be on the sidelines for 'The Game' vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes on Nov. 25.
Harbaugh will travel with the Wolverines for their trip to Maryland on Saturday, and be involved in game prep up until the Wolverines arrive to SECU Stadium to take on the Terrapins, according to reports from ESPN.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day and Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh
USA Today Sports
Michigan released a statement on Harbaugh accepting the suspension on Thursday, noting their intention to continue to cooperate with a separate investigation being led by the NCAA.
“This morning, the University, coach Harbaugh, and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation," the school said. "The Conference agreed to close its investigation, and the University and coach Harbaugh agreed to accept the three-game suspension. Coach Harbaugh, with the University’s support, decided to accept this sanction to return the focus to our student-athletes and their performance on the field. The Conference has confirmed that it is not aware of any information suggesting Coach Harbaugh’s involvement in the allegations. The University continues to cooperate fully with the NCAA’s investigation.”
Without Harbaugh on the sidelines for their showdown with Penn State on Saturday, the Wolverines had by far their closest game of the season, winning 24-15 in Happy Valley.
