Update Two: The University of Michigan defeated The Ohio State University on Saturday 30-24. Coach Jim Harbaugh was serving the last game of his three game suspension and was not on the sideline for the game.
Update One: Harbaugh was suspended from being on the sidelines during games for the rest of the regular season. After briefly appealing in court, he has dropped the appeal, and accepted the three game suspension. This means he will not be on the field for the rivalry game against Ohio State this Saturday.
The game between the Ohio State University Buckeyes and the Michigan University Wolverines has been a long going rivalry for the past 126 years (OSU libraries). Recently, Michigan was accused of sign stealing which is the act of illegally pre-scouting the opposing team’s signals and evidence has shown that the accusations were true.
This past weekend, the Big Ten suspended Jim Harbaugh, head football coach for Michigan. He was suspended from being on the sidelines during games for the rest of the regular season (ESPN).
The first piece of evidence was staff member Connor Stalions attending opponents games and buying tickets behind the away and home benches of Michigan opponents. During his time at the games, he was able to learn signals and signs from the other team that correspond with various plays.
This has shown with the team having an ability to storm back in games late and take some impressive wins this year. The investigation has shown Michigan coaches finding hand signals from opposing coaches and using them to call plays, similar to when a major league baseball team, the Houston Astros, used a trash can and camera to steal signs from opposing teams a couple of years ago (PBS).
The game this year between the Wolverines and Buckeyes is a determining competition for a playoff spot in this year’s college football playoffs. Both teams make up some of the Top Five teams. Charlie Haines (2026) has a strong opinion about the situation.
“They should be banned from the College Football Playoffs and should have heavy recruiting restrictions,” said Haines.
James Craig • Nov 16, 2023 at 4:03 pm
Cheaters always get caught. Heavy penalty is in order. Wipe the slate clean. Lose wins, ban bowl play and fire the coach.
Andy • Nov 15, 2023 at 11:58 am
Yes, they should wins vacated, be banned from post season play and have recruiting restrictions. Cheating is the worst thing a program can do and Michigan has been cheating for 3 seasons.
Bryan • Nov 15, 2023 at 11:40 am
Yes I think Michigan should be penalized more than, the coach being not allowed on the field for the rest of the season, Michigan should be banned from playing in the playoffs , going to a championship game, in fact they should ban the whole team from playing, the rest of the season!! When buckeyes play Michigan in two weeks, the big ten, better make sure the coach is not in the press box, giving out plays from up there, I don’t trust that coach, he is a sneaky snake, that would do anything to win!! (Cheat)!!
Miko • Nov 15, 2023 at 10:57 am
DONT PUNISH THE PLAYERS IDC WHO ELSE U PUNISH BUT NOT THE PLAYERS THEY COME TO PRACTICE TIRED AND EVERYTHING ELSE THEY WORKED HARD THEY DIDNT CHEAT THE OLDER ADULTS DID PUNISH THEM ♀️
Kelly Monroe • Nov 15, 2023 at 9:27 am
Amen should be the Death penalty putting these young athletes in danger of injury having and advantage of this caliber
ODY Editor-in-Chief • Nov 17, 2023 at 11:11 am
Consider that no charges have been filed at this time, let alone a sentence like the death penalty.
Edward Garbrandt • Nov 15, 2023 at 8:09 am
Suspended the entire team Ana’s staff rest of year and 1/2 of next season eliminating any title shot
Brad • Nov 14, 2023 at 9:26 pm
Stalions had to have an expense account that had to be approved and paid by the university.
To buy 30 game tickets and pay someone to video the games would not have come out of Stalions so called 57,000 dollar salary.