Jim Harbaugh not backpedaling on criticism of officials

MIAMI (AP) Jim Harbaugh is not backpedaling on his recent criticism of officials.

Harbaugh said he's instead ready to agree to disagree with the Big Ten. The conference reprimanded the Michigan coach and fined his school $10,000 for violating the league sportsmanship policy by criticizing officials after a loss to Ohio State.

''I guess we can all just call it that we see it differently and let it go at that,'' Harbaugh said Sunday. ''I still don't accept it as a given that you can't speak your mind and give your opinion on how you see things. If telling the truth is making things worse, then so be it.''

Harbaugh made his comments after the Wolverines were chosen to play Florida State in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

Harbaugh said he hasn't talked with Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney since being reprimanded. The punishment came after Harbaugh blasted the officiating in a 30-27 double-overtime loss to Ohio State in Michigan's regular-season finale.

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