Details on Michigan's Response to the Big 10 - Dan Wetzel Reporting

I think the fact that two things of note were leaked about NCAA finding Harbaugh had no knowledge and Day has no known connection to the PI on the same day was the organization trying to send a message to the B1G and Michigan, respectively. In the former it's telling the B1G that they aren't going to do more than a slap on the wrist, and in the latter telling Michigan to stop airing any really bad dirty laundry.

I also think what was leaked was part of Michigan's legal strategy, and I think the only strategy that could come out with a court win, which is to have a judge declare Michigan's contract with the B1G to be in abyss. From what I read about caselaw, it's tricky to argue what authority an organization has to discipline if the agreement that was signed with them outlining what discipline can be levied is a bit nebulous; however, if contract fraud is to be argued, and the question of equal treatment on punished were to be brought forward as compounding arguments, I think both would have a standing, especially if there was collusion within the ranks of the other members and Michigan entered into the agreement under the assumption of fair play. In other words, can Michigan argue

1.  that the B1G and its members represented that everything will be fair amongst the members
   • I think this is implied
2. the above is false
   • if you have members colluding to cheat against Michigan prior to the contract being formed (which was just signed in the summer) so I think that's true
   • Harbaugh is the only one punished under the Sportsmanship clause
   • therefore things are not fair
3. the liars knew it was false
   • if there was collusion then the liars knew it was false
   • Even if the presidents and ADs didn't know, if Harbaugh is a responsible party for his staff acting on their own accord, then University presidents and ADs must also have the same responsibility for coaches and staff
4. the liars intended for Michigan to rely on fairness to join in on the conference contract
   • I think this goes without saying
5. The liars relied on the lie
   • Yes
6. Michigan sustained harm because it relied on the lie
   • if Harbaugh is the only one disciplined under the fairness doctrine this would be true

What about ESPN? If they determined that Michigan's only chance in court is to go down this road, they would have a huge incentive to keep lighting the shit on fire because a B1G without Michigan is to their benefit.

What about FOX, NBC, CBS? If Michigan prevails, they will immediately sue the B1G because the value of the conference games has declined in value relative to what was negotiated.

What about Tony the Tigger Petitti? If he backs down now his authority will forever be in question. If he proceeds down the road of punishment and Michigan prevails, Larry Scotting the Pac12 will be a meme, Tony Petitting the B1G will become a case study. If he proceeds down the road of punishment and Michigan loses, his authority will still hold, and even if after the current GOR deal expires Michigan leaves that may or may not even be his problem. His only chance to save his job is to hand out punishment and hope Michigan loses in court.

So I think for selfish reasons he will levy a suspension punishment and dare Michigan to have it play out in the courts.

Of course that is all just my opinion, IANAL, and I got all my degrees from South Harmon Institute of Technology, so as a Walmart Wolverine, it's probably better that I quit drinking and go to bed.