Jim Harbaugh: “You’re Innocent Until Proven Guilty…I’d Like That Opportunity”.
While traveling to State College, Pennsylvania, on Friday afternoon, Jim Harbaugh learned that he had been suspended and would not be permitted to coach the Nittany Lions. He will now appear before a judge on Friday to see whether or not an injunction will postpone his penalty long enough for him to coach this weekend in College Park, Maryland, and perhaps the following weekend in Ann Arbor against the Buckeyes.
Harbaugh reviewed a prepared statement outlining his current feelings and approach to the sign-stealing charges and the upcoming hearing before taking any more questions today.
Harbaugh clarified, “I’m just looking for that opportunity; due process.” “I’m not looking for special treatment, not looking for a popularity contest, just looking for the merit of what the case is.”I learned the concept of innocent until proven guilty in a civics class I took as a senior in high school. The curriculum covered justice and government. Although it was forty years ago, I would still enjoy the chance.”
Harbaugh has insisted throughout that he was unaware of Connor Stalions’ actions and is sticking to his guns. In addition, Harbaugh informed everyone that he learned of his suspension through social media rather than from a Big Ten official. Although Harbaugh didn’t appear to mind, someone else at Michigan wasn’t too happy about it.
According to Harbaugh, “Warde [Manuel] was pretty upset.” “He was on the plane too and he was pretty upset that he heard through social media and not through through the Big Ten office.”
All in all, Manuel, Santa Ono, the president of the university, the board of regents, the alumni network, and the fans have all shown tremendous support for Harbaugh. On Friday, Harbaugh will have his court appearance, and he is prepared for it as well.ย “I’m not going to talk much about what’s going on, but I have an opportunity on Friday to do that,” he stated.