There were multiple rumors over the weekend suggesting the Big Ten will probably discipline Michigan this week, with the general consensus being that Jim Harbaugh’s suspension would be the first move.
It looks like the Michigan football program will make a lot of news in Ann Arbor this coming week. This weekend’s crucial road game between the Wolverines and Penn State should be the topic of talk, but instead it’s about possible Big Ten conference action regarding the current NCAA investigation into sign-stealing.
Many stories over the weekend suggested that the Big Ten would probably punish Michigan this week in some way, with the general consensus being that Jim Harbaugh’s suspension would be the first move. It was also thought that Michigan was ready to strike back should the Big Ten decide to take action before the NCAA had finished its probe.
It seems unlikely that the Big Ten will take any action in the Michigan sign-stealing case for at least the next 48 hours, according to Thamel, because the league’s sportsmanship policies allow for a “reasonable” opportunity to respond to an institution or individual. “Sources have told ALPHASPORTNEWS.COM that Their will be a legal battle if there’s a punitive suspension by the Big Ten to Jim Harbaugh.”
Santa Ono, the president of the University of Michigan, recently encouraged Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti to grant due process, even though Petitti has the right to act independently of the NCAA inquiry.
“It’s crucial for everyone to make sure that investigations are carried out properly and that findings are based on what actually happened at these moments – when all important facts are unknown but others are all too comfortable providing strongly held opinions,” Ono wrote. “No matter how many and how loudly people scream differently, the reputation and livelihoods of coaches, students, and programs cannot be lost in a rush to judgment. Due process is important.
“We deserve no less than any other member of the Big 10 would. Everyone involved in our program—coaches, students, and staff has a right to a fair, methodical, and considerate procedure. Ono also clarified that while the NCAA investigation is still underway, the Big Ten has not yet notified Michigan that the conference is also looking into the situation. The conference has policies in place that allow Michigan to respond before any sanctions are applied.
Conference regulations compel the Big 10 to notify us of any investigation it has conducted, but they haven’t done so. To be clear, neither the NCAA nor we believe it would ever intend for an oral update to be given that significance or weight. Oral updates from NCAA enforcement officials do not and cannot constitute evidence.The wisest course of action is to wait for the NCAA investigation’s findings as this is the approach that is far more likely to uncover the truth. However, the Big 10 may not take any action against the University, its players, or its coaches without first starting its own inquiry and giving us a chance to present our case if you refuse to let the NCAA’s investigation process finish. It is not only mandated by our conference regulations; it is also a question of fundamental justice.
