Big Ten issues public reprimand to Jim Harbaugh for comments about officiating
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh did not hold back his feelings about the officiating during his team’s double-overtime loss to Ohio State on Saturday, and now the Big Ten has responded.
The conference announced Monday that it has issued Harbaugh a public reprimand for violating the Big Ten’s “sportsmanship policy.” Because of Harbaugh’s violation, the university has been fined $10,000.
Harbaugh told reporters he was “bitterly disappointed in the officials” after multiple close calls went Ohio State’s way, including a crucial spot on a fourth down run by Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett.
“That wasn’t a first down,” Harbaugh said flatly (read more of Harbaugh’s comments here).
From the Big Ten’s news release:
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.
In addition to the controversial spot that awarded Barrett a first down (preceding Curtis Samuel’s game-winning touchdown run), Harbaugh was upset about a pass interference call on Ohio State’s game-tying fourth quarter drive. The coach was also flagged 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Michigan’s loss dropped the Wolverines to 10-2 and opened the door for Penn State to win the Big Ten East title. Now, the Wolverines appear to be on the outside looking in for the College Football Playoff.
For more Michigan news, visit TheWolverine.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
