Harbaugh, UM Will Not Fight Big Ten Suspension, University Says

MICHIGAN — The University of Michigan will not fight Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's Big Ten suspension for the final two games of the season, according to the university.

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the university said:

"This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh, and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation. 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."

Michigan Wolverines football Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended last week for the rest of the season Friday by the Big Ten Conference as part of the conference's sign-stealing investigation.

"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 Big Ten Conference said in a statement.

A court hearing was scheduled for Friday morning after the university filed a temporary restraining order, which could have allowed Harbaugh to coach in the Wolverines' final two games of the season. Harbaugh was expected to testify in the hearing.

Harbaugh has denied any knowledge of the scheme. He also served a school-imposed, three-game suspension earlier this season for a separate and still ongoing NCAA infractions case.

The Wolverines (10-0) will face the Maryland Terrapins in College Park on Saturday, before the Big Game against the Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) in Ann Arbor next Saturday. the winner of that game will represent the Big Ten East in the conference championship game. The Wolverines won the last two Big Ten Championship games.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated