Big Ten fines U-M $10K, reprimands Jim Harbaugh for postgame rant

ByBrian Bennett ESPN logo
Monday, November 28, 2016

The Big Ten fined Michigan $10,000 and publicly reprimanded coach Jim Harbaugh on Monday for his critical comments about the officiating in Saturday's 30-27 overtime loss at Ohio State.

Harbaugh used much of his postgame news conference Saturday to complain about the officiating, including the critical spot on Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett's fourth-down run in the second overtime. Harbaugh said he was "bitterly disappointed" in what he called some "outrageous calls."

"Two penalties called all day [on Ohio State]," Harbaugh said. "Multiple holding penalties let go, multiple false starts. The official on my side, who is supposed to be watching that, is concerned about whether our coaches are in the [coaches' box] or not. Their coaches were on the field, practically in the huddle at times.

"I'm bitter."

The Big Ten said in a statement released Monday afternoon that Harbaugh's comments violated a league rule that states the 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."

"The Big Ten has made a decision," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. "We also consider this matter concluded and will have no further comment."

The last Big Ten football coach to earn a fine for criticizing officials was Nebraska's Bo Pelini in 2013.

ESPN's Dan Murphy contributed to this report.

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