Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh agrees to serve 3-game ban, Big Ten drops investigation

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh on Thursday agreed to accept his three-game ban, which canceled a hearing that was set for Friday on whether he could be on the sidelines.

The Big Ten also agreed to end its investigation into allegations of sign-stealing.

“This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation,” the school said. “The conference agreed to close its investigation, and the University and Coach Harbaugh agreed to accept the three-game suspension. Coach Harbaugh, with the University’s support, decided to accept this sanction to return the focus to our student-athletes and their performance on the field.

“The Conference has confirmed that it is not aware of any information suggesting Coach Harbaugh’s involvement in the allegations. The University continues to cooperate fully with the NCAA’s investigation.”

The Big Ten released a separate statement.

“The Big Ten Conference’s commitment to student-athletes, sportsmanship and the Commissioner’s duty to protect the integrity of competition will never waver. Today’s decision by the University of Michigan to withdraw its legal challenge against the Conference’s November 10th Notice of Disciplinary Action is indicative of the high standards and values that the Conference and the University seek to uphold. The University of Michigan is a valued member of the Big Ten Conference and the Conference will continue to work cooperatively with the University and the NCAA during this process.”

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.