REPORT: Big Ten Expected To Issue Michigan Punishment Today

As No. 3 Michigan prepares for its biggest game of the season against No. 10 Penn State, the Big Ten Conference is reportedly set to issue a punishment to the Wolverines for a violation of the leagues sportsmanship policy. The response from the conference is expected to come early this afternoon, coincidentally at the same time that the Michigan Football team is expected to depart for Happy Valley.

sources indicate a Big Ten response is coming early this afternoon. Michigan leaves at 1 and flies midafternoon out of Detroit after getting through security checks, per usual routine.
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) November 10, 2023

It's worth noting that the NCAA investigation is still ongoing, and that there's been no evidence that links Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh to the actions of staffer Connor Stallions - the individual at the heart of the sign-stealing scandal.

If it’s more than 2 games or $10k, the Big Ten will need special permission from an executive board composed of league reps https://t.co/6Z7jb2zqH4
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) November 10, 2023

Although Michigan has taken a strong position to let the NCAA investigation to play out allow due process to run its course, the Big Ten doesn't seem intent on waiting for that investigation to conclude before issuing its own punishment to the program. While there are several avenues the conference can take in terms of a violation of the sportsmanship policy, the prevailing belief is that any punishment levied will include a suspension for Harbaugh.

In the event that the Big Ten does hand down a suspension of Harbaugh this afternoon, the University of Michigan has made it clear that it is more than prepared to respond with legal action - including seeking an injunction that would presumably allow Harbaugh to continue coaching for the remainder of the season.