Note: This is a breaking news story, and the information included is subject to change.
It has been the story that has captivated the college football world all week: will the Big Ten punish Jim Harbaugh before Michigan takes on Penn State football this weekend? After appearing like a potential suspension was forthcoming early in the week, the Big Ten has been mulling its legal options in recent days. But as we approach 24 hours to kickoff in Happy Valley, new reporting indicates that the Big Ten may suspend Jim Harbaugh before Michigan football travels to State College for tomorrow’s game with the Nittany Lions.
Big Ten could suspend Jim Harbaugh for Penn State game, rest of Michigan regular season
This morning, we awoke to news that the Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and the conference are planning on leveling potential punishment against Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football for its ongoing sign-stealing scandal today. ESPN’s Heather Dinich first broke the news, indicating that punishment could come as Michigan prepares to travel to Penn State this afternoon.
Dinich went on ESPN’s Get Up this morning and explained that the Big Ten has considered a “gamut” of punishments, including public reprimands, financial fines, or a possible indefinite suspension of Jim Harbaugh, among other options. But Dinich noted that new insights show a potential suspension could impact Michigan this season.
“Now, we’re hearing this morning, it could be a three-game suspension [of Harbaugh], which would be significant and it could start this weekend,” she stated.
“My understanding is that the Big Ten isn’t concerned about Michigan’s travel plans,” Dinich said. “They’ll release news when they deem fit and when they are ready.”
The ESPN reporter went on to note that no evidence has been presented to Michigan showing that Jim Harbaugh knew about the alleged sign-stealing operation run by now-fired staffer Connor Stalions.
Obviously, with essentially a College Football Playoff game taking place in Happy Valley tomorrow, this could be the biggest story of the entire season. Michigan is currently a 4.5 favorite over Penn State football. Kickoff is set for noon on FOX.
Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!