This is pretty useful:
A nearly unprecedented battle between a conference and one of its flagship teams is brewing, with a resolution expected soon. Here's where things stand from both sides.
www.espn.com
Here are some key points (with my commentary in green):
"The league recently sent Michigan a notice of disciplinary action, required by the sportsmanship policy "in the event it becomes clear that an institution is likely to be subjected to" penalties.
Michigan was expected to send its response to the Big Ten by the end of Wednesday, but any discipline from league commissioner Tony Petitti was not expected until
Thursday at the earliest. "
This is the timeline I was talking about before which Lando disputed.
"The Big Ten believes it has the facts to be certain that Michigan illegally obtained signals, which the league considers serious. "
There seem to be those who don't think the conference has the data to punish Michigan.
"But the Big Ten views Harbaugh as being responsible for everything in the program, whether he has knowledge of it or not. The league could cite
NCAA bylaw 11.1.1.1, which states: "An institution's head coach is presumed to be responsible for the actions of all institutional staff members who report, directly or indirectly, to the head coach.""
I've also seen people argue that the "Buck stops with the head coach" doesn't apply to the Big Ten. Not true.
"
The Big Ten's sportsmanship policy, a brief and somewhat vaguely written document that has been revised only once since 2013, grants Petitti "exclusive authority" to determine whether violations have occurred, and to dole out discipline. Petitti would be leaning into the policy if he chooses to suspend Harbaugh, possibly noting factors outlined in considering discipline, such as, "the manner in which the offensive action fits within the context of the rules of the game for the sport at issue."
Note: exclusive authority. Lots of latitude for the conference to punish here, just needs agreement from the Executive Committee.
"The length of a Harbaugh suspension is also worth monitoring. A two-game suspension -- covering Saturday's game at Penn State and a Nov. 18 game at Maryland -- would fall under standard discipline, which Petitti could impose on his own. Anything beyond two games is classified as "major" discipline, and would require approval from the Joint Group Executive Committee, which includes representatives from several league members. The JGEC can deny or lessen the penalties Petitti proposes, but sources do not expect it to be an obstacle for the commissioner."
Note that last bit. The Executive Committee isn't like to oppose the commisioner.