Michigan players rally behind Jim Harbaugh ahead of looming suspension

INDIANAPOLIS — While Jim Harbaugh does his best to stay quiet about the four-game suspension looming over, his players say they are prepared — and motivated — to play without him.
The Michigan football coach was the center of attention Thursday at Big Ten Media Day after reports emerged earlier in the week that a negotiated agreement was submitted to the NCAA for approval.
If if is, Harbaugh could be sidelined for his team’s games against East Carolina (Sept. 2), Nevada, Las Vegas (Sept. 9), Bowling Green (Sept. 16) and Rutgers (Sept. 23) — leaving the Wolverines without their 59-year-old head coach.
“We just focus on preparing in the weight room and getting ready for camp next week,” Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil told reporters. “Coach Harbaugh is going to be there at camp, coaching. Whether he’s there for those first four games or not, what he’d want us to do is go out there and play a great brand of football and lead the block ‘M.’”
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Harbaugh has been advised by his legal counsel not to speak on the pending NCAA probe into his team, one that includes multiple Level II violations and an allegation that Michigan’s coach mislead investigators. From the sounds of things this week in Indianapolis, he wanted to — but any comment could jeopardize an agreement, one that could quickly expedite an already long process.
“I don’t know too much about the situation, but as a leader (I’m) just rallying my guys,” Michigan running back Blake Corum said. “If anything, this is going to make us go even harder.”
Corum continued, suggesting that a Harbaugh suspension would provide the Wolverines “a little motivation” and “light a fire under us.”
Michigan is coming off back-to-back Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances, where Harbaugh’s team has lost in the semifinals twice. The stated goal this year, according to players, is to go further and capture the program’s first national championship since 1997.
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“This is an unfortunate situation but we have to continue to be the same team that we want to be, and embody that,” defensive tackle Kris Jenkins said. “Even if he’s not going to be with us, he’s definitely going to be with us in spirit. We’ve got to play for him like we play in every other game.”
If Harbaugh is suspended, it remains unclear whether he’d be allowed to remain around the program and lead practices. If he is, it should minimize the impact his absence has on game days, one Big Ten head coach said this week.
The jury also remains out on Michigan assistants Sherrone Moore and Grant Newsome, both of whom could reportedly receive a one-game suspension for their role in the violations. Harbaugh declined to discuss who might take over as the acting head coach if he’s sidelined.
“Whether he’s with us those four games or not, we’re going to play as if he’s right there coaching,” Sainristil said.