The undefeated University of Michigan football team and Coach Jim Harbaugh cannot catch a break. The ongoing NCAA investigation of the sign-stealing scandal has begun to disrupt the Wolverines' season.
The Big Ten Conference has suspended head coach Jim Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season.
The scandal began with off-field analyst Connor Stalions who held an operation to steal signs from opponents using other Michigan staffers. He was suspended by Michigan and has since resigned.
Sign-stealing does not technically violate NCAA rules, but doing it at in-person games and recording signs electronically is against the rules.
It is not yet known whether Harbaugh had any prior knowledge of Stalions actions. However, he may still be able to be punished even if it is proven that he knew nothing of the operation.
The Big Ten has taken early steps toward a punishment. In a 13-page report, the conference explained, “This is not a sanction of Coach Harbaugh. This is a sanction of the University that, under the extraordinary circumstance presented by this offensive conduct, best fits the violation.”
In light of the suspension, Harbaugh and the University of Michigan have promised legal action. A statement by Michigan said, “We are dismayed at the Commissioner's rush to judgment when there is an ongoing NCAA investigation — one in which we are fully cooperating … To ensure fairness in the process, we intend to seek a court order, together with Coach Harbaugh, preventing this disciplinary action from taking effect.”
If the suspension holds, Jim Harbaugh will miss the final three games of the regular season against Penn State, Maryland, and the classic rivalry at home against Ohio State. This will also be Harbaugh's second three-game suspension of the season. At the beginning of the season, Harbaugh faced a suspension after he failed to cooperate with NCAA investigators.
If you know anything about college football, you know that one loss means the end of any playoff dreams. These last three games are crucial for the second-ranked team in the nation.
Michigan football's future lies in the hands of their attorneys. The Wolverines are chasing their first CFP National Championship since 1997 and the loss of their head coach could be a major hit to the program.
