Michigan to the SEC? Fans, media speculate on Michigan's future after Harbaugh suspension
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended by the Big Ten for the remainder of the regular season on Friday.
That news comes less than 24 hours before the Wolverines are set to face off against Penn State in Happy Valley. The suspension is a result of Michigan breaking the league’s sportsmanship policy with an alleged sign-stealing scheme carried out by ex-analyst Connor Stalions.
Shortly after Harbaugh’s suspension was announced, Michigan fired back with a statement condemning the decision from the league office. Here’s an excerpt from Michigan’s statement:
“Like all members of the Big Ten Conference, we are entitled to a fair, deliberate, and thoughtful process to determine the full set of facts before a judgment is rendered. Today’s action by Commissioner Tony Petitti disregards the Conference’s own handbook, violates basic tenets of due process, and sets an untenable precedent of assessing penalties before an investigation has been completed. We are dismayed at the Commissioner’s rush to judgment when there is an ongoing NCAA investigation – one in which we are fully cooperating.”
Michigan also said it intends to seek a court order that will prevent the suspension from taking place.
It didn’t take long after the suspension was announced for fans and media to begin speculating about Michigan’s future in the Big Ten. Here’s the best of that reaction:
Would be surprised if Michigan doesn’t strongly consider leaving the Big Ten if Tony Petitti remains commissioner.
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) November 10, 2023
Big Ten needs Michigan
Michigan doesn’t need Big Ten
This relationship could go south fast.
— David Noe (@DavidRNoe) November 10, 2023
I’m okay with leaving the Big Ten now if this is how they treat one of their top brands. https://t.co/xFxvZqSsU0
— JD 〽️ (@MGoJDBlue) November 10, 2023
I'm not an insider on this at all, but how can the relationship between Michigan and the Big Ten be repaired with Tony Petitti as commissioner after this? The idea of Michigan not being in the Big Ten sounds crazy, but…
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) November 10, 2023
Tony P just lost so many Billions for his member schools. No way Michigan is going to line those pockets anymore. ACC/SEC… let’s hear your pitch.
— #Smash – Ji〽️〽️y 🅿️ (@JimboPete6) November 10, 2023
The Harbaugh suspension accomplishes literally nothing. Every other team thinks we cheated, they won’t be satisfied until Harbaugh is fired and the program is cratered.
I love traditions & rivalries but I’d honestly be fine with Michigan leaving the Big Ten.
— M L C (@ChiCyph80) November 10, 2023
No matter how this plays out If I’m Michigan I pick up the phone and ask the SEC if they have a spot open. There’s nothing traditional or sacred left in the B10.
— HUGE (@Hugeshow) November 10, 2023
Harbaugh will still be coaching this year, but it’s time for Michigan to leave the Big Ten.
— DNP Sports (@DNPSportsShow) November 10, 2023
Michigan leaving the B1G for the SEC let’s gooooooooooo https://t.co/N97V6qP8Gq
— Mike (@migreva) November 10, 2023
This ends with Michigan in the ACC
— Steven Willis (@TheStevenWillis) November 10, 2023
Yall want war. You got it. Leaving the big ten HAS to be on the table here. https://t.co/Ykqjfd9IW9
— Matthew Helton (@M_Helton11) November 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/PCJGolf2/status/1723084953372500398
Someone let me know when the “Michigan to the SEC” news hits…
— SportsFan_73 (@atic_sports) November 10, 2023
THE UNIVERSITY OF #MICHIGAN NEEDS TO GO TO THE #SEC pic.twitter.com/GAYOs0lbBP
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) November 10, 2023
The Big Ten recently agreed to a landmark TV deal that runs through the end of the 2029-30 academic year.