• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Michigan Files Temporary Restraining Order Against the Big Ten

  • The Big Ten and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti are listed as defendants in the order.
  • The judge assigned to the case is a Michigan alumna.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Soon after the Big Ten suspended University of Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh on Friday for the remaining three games of the 2023 regular season for allegedly stealing signs, the school responded swiftly saying that it would seek a court order to prevent the disciplinary action from taking effect — and to keep their coach on the sidelines.

Michigan issued a statement, and was predictably critical of the decision. School president Santa Ono said that the action by Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti “disregards the conference’s own handbook, violates basic tenets of due process, and sets an untenable precedent of assessing penalties before an investigation has been completed.” 

Ono questioned the timing of the decision, noting that Saturday is Veterans Day, a court holiday and said it prevents Michigan “from seeking immediate judicial relief.”

The Big Ten and Petitti are listed as defendants in Michigan and Harbaugh’s emergency temporary restraining order request that was filed late Friday night.

Washtenaw County judge Timothy P. Connors — a Michigan alumnus and a current lecturer at Michigan’s law school — was the first assigned to the case. It is now in front of Judge Carol Kunhke, who is also a Michigan alumna, but is not a lecturer and is not currently getting paid by the school.

Judge Kuhnke is the judge who ruled against Connor Stalions in his HOA’s lawsuit against him.

The Big Ten cited “an impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years” in a 13-page letter given to school officials, contending that Michigan violated the conference’s sportsmanship policy. Harbaugh, who is 83-25 in nine years in Ann Arbor, has denied any knowledge of an improper scouting scheme.

The news of Harbaugh’s ban dropped less than 24 hours before the second-ranked Wolverines’ critical showdown on the road against No. 9 Penn State. Michigan, 9-0, is vying for a third consecutive Big Ten title as well as its first national championship since 1997.

For now, the Big Ten’s statement noted that Harbaugh will be allowed to attend practices and team activities, but is not allowed to be in the stadium on gamedays.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.
exclusive

Big Ten Considering Investment From California Pension Fund

Under the proposal, Big Ten would spin assets into a new entity.
Sep 20, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks onto the field before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium.

Big Ten Teams Grapple With Long Flights, Time-Zone Hurdles

Coaches across the country are noticing some impact.

Big Ten’s $2B Private-Equity Deal Talks Face Michigan Resistance 

The conference is in discussions for a private-capital deal of around $2 billion.

ACC Expands to 9 League Games, Requires Extra P4 Matchup

Without all the details finalized, the conference “overwhelmingly” approves the move.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium

UNC’s Disastrous Season Continues With Report of NCAA Rules Violation

A UNC cornerbacks coach reportedly gave sideline passes to a player’s family.
October 7, 2025

NIL Hits Week 1: Auburn’s Atlanta Game Marks Next Step in Player..

The teams will play in the 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.
October 8, 2025

NCAA Revises the Transfer Portal Windows Around Coaching Changes

The exception for coaching changes is shifting.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.
October 6, 2025

The Improbability of UCLA’s Incredible Upset Win Against Penn State

Before UCLA beat Penn State, donors were deeply unhappy.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium.
October 6, 2025

Penn State Has a $50 Million James Franklin Problem

Franklin’s team lost to unranked UCLA on Saturday despite being heavy favorites.
October 5, 2025

CFB’s New Parity Era: Penn State, Texas Top-25 Exits Signal Shift

Penn State and Texas fall entirely out of the top-25 rankings.
Cody Campbell
October 4, 2025

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.