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Big Ten explains penalty for Michigan, Jim Harbaugh in 13-page letter

The Big Ten outlined its decision to punish the University of Michigan and Jim Harbaugh in a series of documents released on Friday afternoon, including a 13-page letter to Michigan officials that gives step-by-step insight into the league's decision making.

On Friday, the Big Ten announced that it was suspending Harbaugh from coaching for the remainder of the regular season as punishment for the football program violating the conference's sportsmanship policy.

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said he felt immediate action was necessary because of "the extraordinary nature of the offending conduct."

In the letter, which is addressed to Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the sign-stealing scheme allegedly organized by former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions is termed as an "organized, extensive, years-long in-person advance scouting scheme that was impermissible.