The Big Ten Conference ruled today that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is barred from coaching the rest of the regular season. But Harbaugh seems intent on finding a way to do so.
Despite the Big Ten’s ruling that Harbaugh can’t coach tomorrow’s game against Penn State, Harbaugh’s lawyers are working (and were likely working before the ruling came down) on getting a court-issued injunction to stop the penalty from being enforced on such short notice.
A number of fans are already anticipating an injunction to come. Whether or not it gets issued in time for the Penn State game remains to be seen. Kickoff for that game is in less than 19 hours.
BREAKING:
Big Ten suspends Jim Harbaugh for ‘remainder of regular season’
Unclear if that includes Big Ten Championship Game
Per suspension, Harbaugh would still be allowed to coach during the week at practice.
Expect Michigan to for injunction ASAP
— James T. Yoder (@JamesYoder) November 10, 2023
At least one user is suggesting that the punishment was specifically designed to bait an injunction and leave Harbaugh with just a one-game suspension:
Seems timed to make sure Harbaugh would at least not be able to coach this game. They know the injunction with most likely succeed. But Tony can say he tried and got at least 1 game. Dirty trick tho
— AggiemanDan (@AggiemanDan6100) November 10, 2023
While the conspiracy angle is probably not true, the likelihood that Jim Harbaugh will wind up coaching tomorrow does seem pretty high.
A punishment like this being levied and enforced within 24 hours is a bit harsh even if it’s cheating we’re talking about.
Will Harbaugh wind up coaching tomorrow?