Big Ten Issues Public Reprimand of Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh After Criticizing Officials Following Saturday's Loss to Ohio State

By Tim Shoemaker on November 28, 2016 at 4:48 pm
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.
237 Comments

The Big Ten announced Monday afternoon a public reprimand of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh for a violation of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy following the Wolverines' 30-27 double-overtime loss against archrival Ohio State on Saturday.

Michigan will additionally be fined $10,000 as a result of the violation.

Following Ohio State's victory over Michigan, Harbaugh expressed his displeasure with the officiating in the game, repeatedly stating he was "bitterly disappointed."

The full statement from the Big Ten can be seen below.


Rosemont, Ill. – The Big Ten office today issued a public reprimand of Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh for violating the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy following Michigan’s game against Ohio State on Nov. 26, 2016. In addition, the conference announced that the institution has been fined $10,000 as a result of the violation.

The Big Ten determined that Harbaugh’s postgame comments regarding officials were in violation of Big Ten Conference Agreement 10.01, which states in part that “The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials.” Coaches are teachers as well, and there is an expectation that they set the example for students and others in the area of sportsmanship.

The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded and will have no further comment.

237 Comments
View 237 Comments