The University of Michigan will play at home this week

Officials are sending home an Ohio State University men’s hockey player nearly two weeks after he allegedly used racial slurs against a Michigan State University player during a game.

Saturday’s game in Iowa City is the road test of the season as the Wolverines have not won in Kinnick Stadium since 2005.

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a new plan that would allow alcohol to be sold at college football, basketball, and hockey games.

USC and UCLA, the two most prominent universities in the Pac-12, have officially joined the Big Ten, giving the conference 16 members.

USC and UCLA, two of the most prominent universities on the West Coast, are reportedly in talks to join the Big Ten Conference.

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament is down to its final four teams, if you can believe it.

The women’s NCAA Tournament field is set and now the fun begins, with 68 teams trying to win the national championship — starting with the first-ever First Four games.

Black History Month is coming to a close, and all month we have been highlighting inspiring stories, and there’s a story from the world of college sports you might not know about.

Ninth-ranked Michigan heads to No. 23 Penn State for a key Big Ten game Saturday.

No. 5 Michigan State visits Purdue in the game of the week in the Big Ten.

Survivors of Larry Nassar joined forces with survivors of Robert Anderson in Lansing Thursday.

A suburban Detroit mortgage company led by a former Michigan State walk-on will pay $500 a month to all football players and members of the men's basketball team.

When Michigan State Athletic Director Bill Beekman stepped down, it set off a firestorm of rumors and guesses about who would take his spot.

It happens every offseason among Michigan football fans: The number of offensive skill players generating hype far exceeds the number of those who will actually make a significant impact.

This has been the weirdest build up to a Michigan football season I can ever remember.

The Big Ten formally announced it has made an alliance with the ACC and Pac-12 that will impact non-conference scheduling, future playoff format discussions and more.

The wall has come tumbling down and you’ll hear a new word in amateur sports: NIL which stands for name, image, and likeness.

University of Michigan fans will now be able to wear a jersey sporting the name of their favorite athlete, thanks to new laws surrounding college sports.

Two Michigan football players have reached deals with a company that will allow them to profit off of their name, image and likeness, putting them among the first college athletes ever to do so.

Local 4 is learning more of the 800-plus former University of Michigan athletes who have come forward accusing Dr. Robert Anderson of sexual abuse during exams.

Michigan State University will allow fans into Spartan Stadium for the Spring Football Game on April 24.

A University of Michigan senior has come up with a creative business idea by working alongside his favorite team.

A proposed new NCAA transfer rule is turning college basketball upside down. There are currently 1,000 players in the transfer portal with more to come. “I predicted 2,000 at beginning of the year,” said Greg Kampe, head coach of Oakland University men’s basketball team. Kampe and his staff are constantly checking the NCAA transfer portal. You’re going to see a new kids every year, and really, you’re gonna have to cheer for your school,” he said.

DEARBORN, Mich. – Twenty members of University of Michigan-Dearborn’s softball team have been suspended after holding practice. The team was originally not allowed to practice for three weeks, but that changed to a two-game suspension for the players. This absolutely feels like retaliation against a young student athlete who called them on the carpet and they didn’t like it,” said Skene’s father, Doug Skene. Doug Skene said this type of first-time infraction should merit a warning as opposed to mass suspensions. Not only was it not allowed, now it’s being recognized as punished,” Doug Skene said.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – A federal judge has denied a request by members of Michigan State’s women’s swimming and diving team for an injunction in their attempt to prevent the school from dropping the program. AdThe request for a preliminary injunction was filed last month and sought to restrain the school from eliminating the women’s varsity swimming and diving team — or any other women’s teams or athletic participation opportunities. The plaintiffs contended Michigan State was in violation of Title IX and had a history of failing to comply with Title IX’s athletic participation opportunity requirements. Michigan State announced in October it was dropping swimming and diving teams for men and women after the 2020-21 season, citing a financial crisis. Iowa recently said it wouldn't drop its women's swimming and diving program after it had been among four sports the school planned to eliminate.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued Interim Guidance for Athletics following its epidemic order announced last week to allow contact sports to resume starting Monday. If masks cannot be worn, participants must be regularly tested for COVID-19 consistent with guidelines issued by MDHHS. Sports organizers are encouraged to administer a testing program even if it is not required. Even when not required, we urge teams to implement a testing program to protect athletes, coaches and their families.”AdIt is recommended that spectators are limited to two per athlete. Additional recommendations included in the MDHHS guidance include:

The University of Michigan Athletic Department says out of 3,215 COVID tests administered within the community this week, 11 student athletes have tested positive. School officials said some of those who tested positive for the B117 variant are people involved in the Athletic Department. It is currently unclear if the 11 U-M students have tested positive for the B117 strain or a different strain. AdSo far, the COVID vaccines currently circulating appear to be effective against the B117 virus strain. MDHHS sent University of Michigan officials a memo explaining our recommendations, but has not issued any orders for the university to take any actions.

DETROIT – The University of Detroit Mercy has pulled the plug on the rest of the women’s basketball season amid complaints that the coach is abusing her players. The university announced Thursday night that the women’s basketball season is over, after some serious claims against the program. “Emotional abuse, physical abuse in terms of going way over the allotted hours the NCAA provides. The allegations were made by parents of the 14 players on the team, saying the problem is with first-year coach Ann Marie Gilbert. We have talked with all players and members of our women’s basketball program about their concerns.

Head coach Mike Davis of the Detroit Mercy Titans is seen during the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 12, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. DETROIT – The Detroit Mercy basketball team has canceled its next two games for the mental health and well-being of its players, according to the Horizon League. Detroit’s Jan. 1 and Jan. 2 games against the University of Illinois at Chicago have been canceled. “The pause for a week is only for the mental wellness and safety and not at all due to any positive tests in the Detroit Mercy program.”Detroit last took the court Saturday and Sunday in back-to-back losses against Oakland. “The health and safety of our student-athletes have always been and will continue to be our top priority.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed two bills that will allow college athletes in Michigan to make money off of their own name, image, likeness and reputation. Michigan is among the first states to allow student athletes to earn such compensation. It’s the first time in state history that college players can financially benefit from their sport while attending school. The bills allow players from any sport in all divisions to use agents to earn money from their own image, name, or likeness. “I am proud to sign this bipartisan legislation today on behalf of our current and future student athletes,” Whitmer said.

LANSING, Mich. – Considering Michigan boasts the nation’s largest football stadium and fills it when the coronavirus isn’t lurking -- college football is huge in the state. The Michigan Legislature passed a couple of bills that would allow for paying college athletes. The bill prohibits sports organizations from preventing a student-athlete from receiving compensation from the use of their name, image or likeness. He said he believes the new bills surrounding the use of the name, image and likeness will help student-athletes like Edwards. Michigan Sen. Adam Hollier is a former college athlete who championed the legislation because the NCAA has dragged its feet and penalized student-athletes wrongfully for many years.

Fryfogle had 11 catches for 200 yards — surpassing career highs he’d set just a week earlier — and the Hoosiers handled Michigan State 24-0 on Saturday. Michigan State was shut out at home for the first time since a 31-0 loss to Michigan in 1985. Michigan State: The Spartans have been hurt by turnovers in all three of their losses, and this was no exception. Lombardi isn't the only one to blame, but it was time for Michigan State to try another option at quarterback. “We thought it was some decision making early in the game," Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said.

The Scarlet Knights scored 14 points total through their first five Big Ten games last year. Rocky Lombardi was sacked and fumbled, giving Rutgers the ball at the Michigan State 1. Michigan State lost another fumble near midfield on its first possession of the third. A slow start wasn't much of a surprise, and even beyond all the turnovers, Michigan State looked disorganized on some key plays. Michigan State: The Spartans have a lot of improving to do heading into next weekend's matchup — on the road against rival Michigan.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Merritt Norvell Jr., the first Black athletic director at Michigan State University, has died. “The thoughts of the entire Michigan State Athletics family are with the family and friends of Merritt Norvell,” said Bill Beekman, Michigan State's current AD, in a statement. “Beyond his contributions at Michigan State, his impact was felt across college athletics, including at the national level. Michigan State reached the Final Four in volleyball, hockey and men's basketball during Norvell's tenure. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Merritt Norvell," NCAA President Mark Emmert said.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Which pair of Michigan football players who share a jersey number will unite to be the most valuable this season? This year’s roster, with the new rule in place, has 45 duos who will wear the same jersey number. Some of the Michigan jersey number duos contain players who will contribute on different sides of the ball. 1: Both players must wear a jersey number for the entire season for their stats to qualify in favor of said jersey number. Other eligible duosHere are all the other jersey number duos listed on the 2020 Michigan football roster, as of Oct. 16.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan has been good, not great, under coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye said the team is under the radar and has taken a lot of punches from people. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has said more than once that he wants Harbaugh to lead the Wolverines until he chooses to retire from coaching. Heading into his sixth season, though, Harbaugh has just two years left on a deal that pays him about $7 million per season. The Wolverines host rival Michigan State and its new coach, Mel Tucker, in their second game.

If that loss is to Ohio State, Michigan would still have a rivalry win against Michigan State and three excellent wins against Minnesota, Wisconsin and Penn State. To get to Indy with two losses, Michigan would probably have to beat both Ohio State and Penn State. Penn State would have to beat Ohio State and lose another game, giving Michigan the head-to-head tiebreaker with both. Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin have had some really good quarterbacks the past decade. If it takes a couple bumps in the road during the 2020 season to buck that trend, so be it.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football team have fought for a season since the moment the Big Ten announced football would be postponed. Michigan put a beating on Michigan State for the first time in a long time last year, dropping 44 points on the Spartans and running them out of Ann Arbor. Michigan outplayed Penn State on the road last season, a year after smacking the Nittany Lions by 35 points in Ann Arbor. Probably not a lot, but if Milton can be at least as good as Shea Patterson was last season, Michigan should be the favorite at home. Unless Milton emerges as a Heisman-level quarterback in his first season, Michigan probably won’t be competitive in this game.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A sense of normalcy is returning to Michigan college campuses amid the Big Ten’s decision to reinstate the fall football season. College students were more than disappointed in the conference’s August decision to postpone the fall football season due to health and safety concerns amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic -- affecting plans for conference member schools Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. The decision not to play hit especially hard at the University of Michigan, where fall football has been a century-long tradition -- the team even played five games during the 1918 Spanish Flu. Let’s play football," Harbaugh added. Related: What governor said about fans attending Michigan, Michigan State football games this year

The decision comes with stringent COVID-19 safety guidelines, headlined by two main statistics the conference will monitor throughout the season:Two COVID-19 statsThe two stats outlined in the Big Ten release are team positivity rate and population positivity rate. Big Ten officials define population positivity rate and the “number of COVID-19 positive individuals divided by the total population at risk." Team test positivity rate and population positivity rate thresholds will be used to determine recommendations for continuing practice and competition, officials said. All COVID-19 positive student-athletes will have to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing to include labs and biomarkers, ECG, Echocardiogram and a Cardiac MRI. Following cardiac evaluation, student-athletes must receive clearance from a cardiologist designated by the university for the primary purpose of cardiac clearance for COVID-19 positive student-athletes.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Big Ten announced Wednesday that it has reinstated the 2020 fall football season, with games scheduled to begin Oct. 23-24. This reversal comes five weeks after Big Ten presidents voted against playing any fall sports. We respect the challenge that the virus has presented, however we will not cower from it.”It took several weeks, but Harbaugh has gotten his wish. Six days before postponing the season, Big Ten officials released a modified 10-game, conference-only schedule for each member. Even without bye weeks, a 10-game schedule would carry the Big Ten football season through Christmas.

The Big Ten presidents were presented a comprehensive plan Sunday to conduct a fall football season, but a final decision is still to come. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big Ten was not making its return to competition plans public. The person said the meeting broke up without the presidents and chancellors voting and with no set plans for them to reconvene. Still, if they act quickly Big Ten football could kickoff as soon as the weekend of Oct. 17. That schedule could set up Big Ten teams to be part of the College Football Playoff.

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2013, file photo, Ohio State plays against Florida A&M at Ohio Stadium during an NCAA college football game in Columbus, Ohio. Seventy-seven of those teams are scheduled to play throughout the fall, starting at various times in September. 2 Ohio State, No. The Big Ten postponed its fall season Aug. 11 because of concerns about playing through the COVID-19 pandemic, with presidents voting 11-3 in favor. On the first Saturday of the football season that included Power Five teams playing, Big Ten teams were idle while athletic directors and university leaders were working on ways to possibly salvage a fall football season.

Big Ten presidents voted 11-3 to postpone the football season until spring, bringing some clarity to a key question raised in a lawsuit brought by a group of Nebraska football players. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)The Big Ten Conference, already in court and under pressure from players and parents over its decision to cancel fall football, is now hearing from President Donald Trump. Trump tweeted Tuesday that he had spoken with Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren about reinstating the fall season. Had a very productive conversation with Kevin Warren, Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, about immediately starting up Big Ten football," the tweet said. Pete Ricketts has been a vocal proponent of the Cornhuskers playing fall football.

A group of Ohio State football players' parents Saturday joined parents of players at Iowa in calling for the Big Ten to overturn its decision not to play this fall because of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said nine Sooners tested positive for COVID-19 after he gave his players a week break from team activities. The Football Parents at Ohio State posted on social media a letter to Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, calling for the reinstatement of the 10-game schedule the conference unveiled six days before it postponed football until spring. We believe that the protocols put in place by Ohio State Athletics has provided an extremely safe environment for our players to prepare for the season," the letter said. Our sons work extremely hard for the opportunity to play and fully understand the risks involved when they step on the field.

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (GLIAC) announced Wednesday that all fall sports are suspended until 2021 amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A number of Michigan colleges and universities are impacted by the conferences suspension: Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Northwood University, Saginaw Valley State University and Wayne State University. Plans to provide fall teams with competition opportunities during the spring semester are a priority for the league. Other GLIAC member schools include: Ashland University, Purdue University Northwest and the University of Wisconsin Parkside. The MAC is among the leagues hoping to play some semblance of a season in the spring, depending on the state of the pandemic.

Former Minnesota coach Don Lucia was named commissioner Wednesday of the newly formed Central Collegiate Hockey Association, an NCAA Division I league set to start in the 2021-22 season. Lucia won two national championships and made five trips to the Frozen Four over 19 seasons running the Gophers, until retiring from the bench in 2018. Before that, he was the head coach for six years each at Colorado College and Alaska-Fairbanks. This left Alabama-Huntsville, Alaska (formerly Alaska-Fairbanks) and Alaska Anchorage in limbo with budget crunches at their institutions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lucia did not rule out adding any of those programs, but he stressed the financial advantage of the leagues smaller footprint in three Midwestern states: Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) Colleges athletes could be paid for the use of their names, images or likeness rights under bipartisan legislation approved Wednesday by the Michigan House, which overwhelmingly sent the bills to the Senate for consideration. The measures would prohibit in-state schools, the NCAA and athletic conferences from blocking student-athletes from being compensated. They also would no longer make it a crime for agents to enter into contracts with student-athletes. This is all about treating all students fairly, including our student-athletes, said a sponsor, Rep. Brandt Iden of Kalamazoo County's Oshtemo Township, who played tennis at Kalamazoo College. He has said players are the driving force behind billions in revenue for the NCAA, universities and colleges.

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) – Eastern Michigan University will pay two female student athletes a combined $125,000 to settle a lawsuit that accused the university of discrimination when it eliminated their softball and tennis teams in 2018. Former EMU softball player Ariana Chretien will receive a $100,000 payment, and the remaining $25,000 will go to tennis player Marie Mayerova. The pair sued EMU in June 2018 after it decided to eliminate women’s softball and tennis, and men’s wrestling and swimming and diving because of budget cuts. In 2016-17, Eastern Michigan reported that 60% of its enrolled students are undergraduate women and 40% are undergraduate men. EMU will hire a Title IX consultant, and the court will appoint a third-party monitor to oversee that the terms of settlement are being met.