Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh suspension will stand, court hearing canceled

The suspension for coach Jim Harbaugh through the end of the regular season imposed by the Big Ten will stand, the program announced on Friday.

A scheduled court hearing for Friday morning was canceled.

“This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh, and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation,” a Michigan statement read. “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 investigation.”

So the Michigan coach, who is wrapped up in a scandal over whether his program used illicit means to scout future opponents illegally, will remain suspended for games against Maryland and Ohio State.

Harbaugh served the first game of his suspension last week during a game against Penn State. Michigan won 24-15 to remain unbeaten.

The entire ordeal began when the NCAA opened up an investigation into whether Michigan had been running a sign-stealing operation following the submission of “credible evidence” to the organization.

In the weeks that have followed, the investigation has centered on Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who allegedly purchased tickets and arranged for tickets for others to sit in on future opponents’ games and scout them. Doing so is against NCAA rules if those opponents are in the same season, while use of video equipment to record a sideline is strictly prohibited.

But how far up the chain knowledge of such a potential scheme might have gone remains to be seen.

For his part, Jim Harbaugh has denied any such knowledge of an operation to steal signs. He has also maintained that he should be considered innocent until proven guilty, something many in Michigan might see as at odds with the Big Ten’s action.

“I’m gonna talk on Friday, just looking for that opportunity, due process. Not looking for special treatment, not looking for a popularity contest, just looking for the merit of what the case is,” Harbaugh said before news of a resolution came down Thursday. “Senior in high school I had a civics class and talked about government, justice, and what I took away from that class was that you’re innocent until proven guilty. That was 40 years ago, but like that opportunity.”

Despite all the drama surrounding Jim Harbaugh, who also served a three-game suspension to begin the season, Michigan has reached 10-0 and is in position to earn a College Football Playoff berth.

The Wolverines checked in at No. 3 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, and they’re certainly in position to play their way into the field.

Michigan will return to action on Saturday with a game against Maryland that begins at noon ET on FOX.