And there it is.
We've been waiting weeks to hear of Michigan football's punishment. On Oct. 18, the NCAA notified the Wolverines it was beginning an investigation into the school for in-person scouting and sign-stealing. Each day since the investigation began, more news was leaked regarding the violation. Michigan played one game, against Purdue, without any sanctions.
Finally, the Big Ten announced its punishment for the program. Despite claiming he did not know about the violations made by former staffer Connor Stalions, Jim Harbaugh was suspended for the remainder of the regular season. He cannot be on the sidelines of the final three games but may coach throughout the week.
MORE: What to know about Jim Harbaugh's suspension over Michigan violations
The news was expected to be announced late this week, but the conference chose quite an interesting time to announce it.
At 1 p.m. ET on Friday, the team left for Detroit, where it departed for its flight to State College. The Wolverines visit Penn State for Saturday's game. By the time the flight departed, the Big Ten had not yet announced its decision, supposedly because of the time-consuming legal work.
The flight takes about an hour. Naturally, the news dropped half-way through that window, which prompted responses on social media.
Big Ten officials apprehending Harbaugh after his suspension is announced mid flight pic.twitter.com/GcgJbiUiIo
— G (@gpleezy007) November 10, 2023
audio crackles over the loudspeaker at the start of Michigan’s flight. its not the pilot, its Tony Pettiti. “Jim Harbaugh…YOU dont get any pretzels on this flight”. the punishment has been delivered
— Michael Regan (@MikeRegan09) November 10, 2023
You think Harbaugh found out while ordering a ginger ale? Or maybe while walking to the bathroom? Flight from Ann Arbor to State College is an hour, so maybe he was woken from a quick mid-afternoon nap by a staff member? https://t.co/oPFsZGoyFM
— Marc Procopio (@Brocopio26) November 10, 2023
The flight landed about 20 minutes after the suspension was announced.
Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh is here in State College. Looks like an emergency tarmac meeting. pic.twitter.com/MQaRFBoW61
— Ryan Parsons (@rjparsons9) November 10, 2023
The school immediately issued a response, saying there was a lack of due process in the ruling. It is seeking a court order to allow Harbaugh to remain on the sidelines and coach in the top-10 matchup against Penn State.
MORE: How Jim Harbaugh's suspension impacts Michigan's national title chances
