In today’s 3R report, I’ll address the reports that Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti is heading to Ann Arbor today to meet with Michigan president Santa Ono on the heels of his meetings with all Big Ten coaches (except
Jim Harbaugh), and Big Ten athletic directors (except Warde Manuel).
First, it should be noted that Petitti was already scheduled to come to town for the 2023 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament. So, the meeting with Ono could be as much about convenience as it is urgency.
Now back to the meetings with Big Ten coaches and athletic directors except for Michigan’s… they reportedly
expressed their anger to Petitti over Michigan’s alleged sign stealing operation. They also reportedly
implored him to punish headman
Jim Harbaugh immediately… before an investigation is even conducted.
Under the Big Ten’s sportsmanship standard disciplinary action policy, Petitti could technically suspend Harbaugh up to two games and levy a up to a $10,000 fine. Anything more would require approval from the Big Ten Council of Presidents.
Whether he is planning to do that isn’t known by the sources I spoke to in Ann Arbor.
What is known by the sources I contacted is that Petitti isn’t just meeting with Ono. There will be Regents in that meeting, too. Petitti is also slated to meet with Athletic Director Warde Manuel.
Sources have indicated Michigan would not take a Harbaugh suspension lying down. I expect the exact opposite, in fact, if that’s the message Petitti comes with. I expect Michigan to argue
vociferously for due process when it comes to investigating the allegations, and proportionality when it comes to the possible punishment if Connor Stallions is proven to have violated rules.
Michigan has been cooperative with every investigation, but I’m hearing it will absolutely “FIGHT” even the suggestion of a suspension, especially before the Big Ten has begun even a semblance of an investigation.
As always, stay tuned.
