Big Ten fines University of Michigan for Jim Harbaugh’s post-OSU comments

Jim Harbaugh was “bitterly disappointed” in the officiating in Saturday’s 30-27 loss to Ohio State and made sure everyone knew it after the game.

Now, the Big Ten has fired back.

The conference announced in a statement on Monday afternoon that they have fined the University of Michigan $10,000 for his comments on Saturday, citing poor sportsmanship.

Here is the full statement:

Big Ten Issues Public Reprimand of Michigan Football Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and Announces Institutional Fine

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.