Tom Mars, the lawyer of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, posted a cryptic tweet directed at ESPN after a report was quickly furnished by the outlet regarding the contents of a conference call held on Wednesday among Big Ten coaches.
“Reading lots of reports this morning about ’emotional’ private conference call yesterday with Big Ten commissioner, head coaches, and everyone who works for ESPN. 🙄,” Mars posted on X.
Reading lots of reports this morning about “emotional” private conference call yesterday with Big 10 Commissioner, head coaches, and everyone who works for ESPN. 🙄
— Tom Mars (@TomMarsLaw) November 2, 2023
It’s fair to assume that the post was directed at ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who published a story on Wednesday night describing the 90-minute conference call with Big Ten coaches earlier in the day. Harbaugh was present for the first 60 minutes, but then departed the meeting so that other schools could talk openly about Michigan’s sign-stealing investigation.
Thamel reported that there is a push from schools in the Big Ten for conference commissioner Tony Petitti to punish the Wolverines for violating the rules. Thamel noted that Petitti didn’t tip his hand on potential discipline, or timing of any such sanctions, when he met with the Big Ten coaches on Wednesday.
Kirthmon F. Dozier/USA TODAY NETWORK
Michigan has been under investigation since mid-October by the NCAA for an in-person scouting and video recording operation in which low-level staffer Connor Stalions reportedly taped opposing teams’ signals.
There is no indication of any imminent discipline from the NCAA or the Big Ten against Michigan for the alleged operation.
The Wolverines are 8–0 on the season and ranked No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings. They host Purdue on Saturday night in the Big House.
