Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.Photo:AP Photo/Paul Sancya
AP Photo/Paul Sancya
Michigan Head CoachJim Harbaughwill not be attending the remainingBig Tengames this year, the conference has said.
“The Big Ten Conference announced today that the University of Michigan has been found in violation of theBig Ten Sportsmanship Policyfor conducting an impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years, resulting in an unfair competitive advantage that compromised the integrity of competition,” the organization announced on Friday.
Michigan Big 10.Icon Sportswire via AP
Icon Sportswire via AP
“The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of the competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials,” Friday’s statement continued.
According to the Big Ten, because of Harbaugh’s penalty, the University of Michigan football team “must compete without its Head Football Coach for the games remaining in the 2023 regular-season, effective immediately.”
Michigan Wolverines players line up at the line of scrimmage.Icon Sportswire via AP
On Oct. 30, Harbaugh spoke at a press conference where he addressed the sign-stealing scandal before the media for the first time since the investigation was publicly announced in mid-October.
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“The team is refreshed, I’m refreshed,” Harbaugh said. “Opportunity to spend time with the families after a pretty good week of practice last week, got some things done. We’re in an onward mode. So to answer your question specifically, it’s a one-track mind that I’m modeling, and I see it throughout the program.”
When news first broke ofthe investigation, the former quarterback released a statement that he planned to “fully cooperate.”
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.AP Photo/Abbie Parr
AP Photo/Abbie Parr
“I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter,” Harbaugh said on Oct. 19. “I do not have any knowledge or information regarding theUniversity of Michigan footballprogram illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment.”
He continued to maintain his innocence in the matter.
“I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules. No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules. Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place."
Michigan will take on Penn State in Pennsylvania Saturday at noon.
source: people.com
