Big Ten Issues Public Reprimands of Michigan and Michigan State and Announces Institutional Fine
Rosemont, Ill. – The Big Ten office today issued a series of public reprimands and an institutional fine for violations of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy involving the Michigan at Michigan State football game on Oct., 20, 2018.
The Big Ten determined that Michigan State violated the policy when its football team walked across the field with linked arms and initiated contact with multiple members of Michigan’s team who were legitimately on the field during pregame warmups. Consequently, the Michigan State football team is reprimanded and the institution has been fined $10,000 as a result of the violation.
Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio is also reprimanded for failing to take action to mitigate a foreseeable conflict from occurring.
Michigan’s Devin Bush is reprimanded for his conduct.
Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh is reprimanded for his comments made about the incident and opponent during his media availability on both Saturday and Monday.
“We are fortunate the series of events that occurred prior to the Michigan-Michigan State game did not escalate into a much more serious matter,” said Commissioner Jim Delany. “While traditions hold great importance on our campuses, traditions do not supersede the values of good sportsmanship or the requirement for player safety. We expect more from our coaches, students and administrators and will continue to work with our institutions to prioritize good sportsmanship moving forward.”
The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded and will have no further comment.