Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh have had an awkward first year together and it continued on Saturday.
Typically, the commissioner hands the conference trophy to the winning team’s coach following the championship game, but instead, Pettiti wound up handing the trophy to injured Michigan guard Zak Zinter, one of the leaders of the team, while Harbaugh celebrated in the background with players.
That was done purposely by Jim Harbaugh and he is being praised for the move.
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As mentioned above, there was still a handshake between the commissioner and head coach, which appeared to be civil.
Many have been waiting to see this exchange since Michigan beat rival Ohio State to clinch an appearance in the Big Ten championship game. It was widely expected the Wolverines would beat Iowa and they did so with a score of 26-0.
The reason for the moment was the suspension of Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season. Harbaugh was suspended by the conference for sign-stealing allegations despite the NCAA continuing its investigation at the time of the suspension.
Michigan wound up filing a temporary restraining order against Pettiti and the Big Ten, but would ultimately withdraw it and accepted the Big Ten’s suspension.
Now, the Wolverines will have a chance to play for the National Championship.
