The hottest news of the college football season regarding the allegations related to the University of Michigan stealing signs reached a crescendo Friday afternoon when the Big Ten conference announced a suspension of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Why Was Jim Harbaugh Suspended?
The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh from coaching the Michigan Wolverines during games. However, the team did allow Harbaugh to coach the team throughout the week. That takes Harbaugh out of the Wolverines’ game at Penn State on Saturday, at Maryland on Nov. 18, and their showdown against Ohio State on Nov. 25.
Per the Big Ten’s announcement, Michigan was “found in violation of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy” for conducting their sign scouting operation over multiple years, which resulted in an unfair competitive advantage that “compromised the integrity of competition.”
Harbaugh has stated that he had no knowledge of Connor Stalions, the coach at the center of these allegations, alleged scheme. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is serving as acting head coach during Harbaugh’s suspension.
Michigan’s Restraining Order
Virtually right after the suspension was announced, Michigan announced its own legal response to that.
The university filed an emergency temporary restraining order against the Big Ten on Friday evening, seeking to prevent the conference from suspending coach Jim Harbaugh on the eve of the Wolverines’ game against Penn State.
Michigan believes the Big Ten ignored due process in this case and succumbed to pressure to punish the university before an investigation was completed. By citing sportsmanship, Michigan argues that Big Ten Commissioner Tony Pettiti circumvented the rules to issue punishment before the NCAA could finish its own investigation.
This restraining order was filed Friday evening and Michigan is aiming to have a decision made on it before their noon ET kickoff against Penn State. There is a judge who acts “on call” in these situations. Harbaugh’s restraining order is expected to be heard by Judge Carol Kunhke in the Michigan State Court.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, no ruling is expected to be announced before Michigan’s game against Penn State. Thamel followed that statement up by saying an in-person hearing is scheduled for November 17th, the day before Michigan’s next game against Maryland.
As of the time of this writing, no conclusion has been announced. Harbaugh did travel with the team to the game.