Big Ten reprimands Jim Harbaugh, fines Michigan after post-Ohio State referee criticism

With college football press — and Ohio State and Michigan fans alike — waiting on pins and needles to see what response would be coming from the league offices, Big Ten brass has finally spoken.

Following Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s public criticism of the officiating after UM’s 30-27 2 OT loss to Ohio State this past Saturday, the Big Ten has fined Michigan as an institution $10,000 and publicly rebuked Harbaugh.

Their statement:

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 had 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 towards 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.

So that’s that.