Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh BANNED from sideline by Big Ten for rest of the season over sign stealing allegations

Big Ten conference announced the ban on Friday.

Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh BANNED from sideline by Big Ten for rest of the season over sign stealing allegations

Jim Harbaugh (Via Imago)

Just a few weeks ago, a big scandal broke out in college football as the Michigan Wolverines and their head coach Jim Harbaugh were allegedly stealing signs of their opponents. And now, the Big Ten conference has imposed penalties on the Wolverines and Harbaugh and they have come down hard.

On Friday, the Big Ten announced that it was suspending Harbaugh for the rest of the 2023 season following their investigation. The suspension was handed out after the investigation revealed that Michigan and Jim Harbaugh violated the Big Ten sportsmanship policy by conducting “impermissible” scouting operations for several years that gave them an “unfair” advantage.

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As a penalty imposed on the institution, the University football team must compete without its Head Football Coach for the games remaining in the 2023 regular-season, effective immediately.
The Big Ten conference said in a statement.

However, they also made it clear that suspension will not prevent the University of Michigan from having their head coach Harbaugh in practice sessions or other football activities. But, Harbaugh is not allowed to be at the game venue during game day.

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This disciplinary action shall not preclude the University or its football team from having its Head Football Coach attend practices or other football team activities other than the game activities to which it applies. For clarity, the Head Football Coach shall not be present at the game venue on the dates of the games to which this disciplinary action applies.

The University of Michigan responded to the suspension order by saying that they would seek a court order to prevent the suspension from happening. The school said that Big Ten’s rush to judgment violates the due process and that they are dismayed by their decision.

What are the allegations against the Michigan Wolverines and Jim Harbaugh?

The renowned head coach Jim Harbaugh has been suspended for the remainder of the college football regular season by the Big Ten conference. They are accused of stealing signs and in-scouting their opponents.

Jim Harbaugh Michigan Wolverines
Jim Harbaugh (Via SI)

Michigan is being accused of stealing signs in a scheme allegedly masterminded by now ex-staffer Connor Stalions. He allegedly went to the Wolverines’ future opponents and recorded their hand signals.

It is not clear whether Jim Harbaugh was part of this alleged mastermind scheme. Harbaugh has denied any involvement and the Big Ten also never claimed that it has evidence against the Wolverines head coach.

Nonetheless, the No.2 ranked Wolverines have a real shot at winning the CFP National Championship in the ongoing season. But Harbaugh missing the crucial games could jeopardize their hopes and dreams.

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