ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A judge with ties to the University of Michigan has blocked all cameras from a Friday hearing on Jim Harbaugh’s suspension from the Big Ten.
University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to testify Friday in the court hearing seeking a temporary restraining order regarding his suspension in the Big Ten’s investigation into sign-stealing by a former scout.
The hearing is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 17 at 9 a.m., but there won’t be any cameras in the courtroom. Local 4 had originally planned on streaming the hearing live on Friday.
UPDATE: Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh to serve out suspension; Big Ten to close investigation into sign-stealing
The presiding judge, the Hon. Timothy P. Connors, blocked all recording or streaming of the hearing inside the Washtenaw County Trial Court. We’ll have a reporter inside the courtroom, but there won’t be any visuals of what’s happening.
Connors, a state judge since 1991, is an active lecturer at the University of Michigan’s law school, and typically presides over cases in the civil and domestic divisions of the Washtenaw County Trial Court and handles the neglect and abuse docket for the Juvenile Court. He’s also an adjunct professor at Vermont Law School and Wayne State Law School.
More background on the Harbaugh situation
Harbaugh was suspended for three games by the Big Ten, forcing him to miss the team’s game vs. Penn State last weekend. If a judge doesn’t grant the university’s motion, Harbaugh won’t be on the sideline for the game vs. Maryland, and likely against Ohio State the following week.
---> Earlier this week: Jim Harbaugh talks Friday hearing, Penn State win, how he learned about suspension, chickens
After the suspension was announced last Friday, Michigan filed for a TRO, arguing that a punishment against Harbaugh is premature and would inflict “irreparable harm” to the team. The university asked that any decision on punishment be delayed until the end of the NCAA investigation.
Harbaugh has not yet been linked to the illegal advanced scouting operation run by now-former team analyst Connor Stalions. Stalions resigned last week after allegations that he bought tickets to games involving Michigan’s future opponents and sent others to record signs being used on the sideline.
---> Big Ten’s handling of sign-stealing case could permanently damage relationship with Michigan
Michigan football is currently 10-0 and is the odds on favorite to win the College Football National Championship. The Wolverines are set to play Maryland (6-4) on Saturday at 12 p.m., with or without their head coach.