Michigan

Jim Harbaugh defends ‘innocent’ Michigan from off-field distractions following national championship win

Published

2 years ago

January 9, 2024

Jim Harbaugh defends ‘innocent’ Michigan from off-field distractions following national championship win

USATSI

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh proclaimed his team’s innocence after the No. 1 Wolverines topped No. 2 Washington 34-13 in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday to cap a scandal-tainted season. The win brought the program’s first national title since 1997, providing a triumphant end to a campaign that got rocky amid allegations the programed engaged in a detailed sign-stealing scheme.

“Off the field issues, we’re innocent,” Harbaugh said postgame. “We stood strong and tall because we knew we were innocent. I’d just like to point that out.”

Big Ten officials issued a three-game suspension for Harbaugh to conclude the regular season. The alleged scheme centered on the actions of staffer Connor Stalions, who resigned on Nov. 3. Stalions allegedly bought tickets to more than 30 games involving potential future Michigan opponents for the purpose of collecting information about opposing play-call signals. NCAA rules do not allow in-person scouting.

But after Monday night’s triumph, Harbaugh was adamant about his team’s integrity with regard to the controversy.

“These guys are innocent,” he said. “Overcome that, it wasn’t that hard because we knew we were innocent. That’s really wanted to say. It went exactly how we wanted it to go.”

Video footage also showed Stalions gaining access to Central Michigan’s sideline — presumably under false pretenses — for its game against Michigan State, a top rival of the Wolverines. An anonymous former Division III coach also claimed Stalions gave him money and a game ticket to record opponents’ signs. Stalions was apparently spotted with a bald head and no beard at Michigan’s Rose Bowl semifinal against the Crimson Tide.

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Michigan

Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

Published

3 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

The 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we’ll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it’s one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year’s draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the big man’s draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 25 overall, Los Angeles Lakers

Kalbrosky’s Analysis:

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here

Morez Johnson Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

Position: Forward-Center
Current Team: Michigan
13.1 points per game
7.2 rebounds per game
1.1 assists per game
62.8% field goal percentage
37.9% three-point field goal percentage

Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks

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Michigan

Woman struck, fatally injured, while walking on the Lodge Freeway, state police say

Published

15 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Woman struck, fatally injured, while walking on the Lodge Freeway, state police say

March 27, 2026 / 7:44 AM EDT
/ CBS Detroit

A pedestrian was struck and died of her injuries early Friday on the Lodge Freeway in Detroit.

Emergency dispatchers started to get calls about 2:30 a.m. about someone who was walking along the Lodge, and then were notified that the person had been struck by a vehicle, the Michigan State Police reported.

When troopers arrived, they found multiple cars stopped along the freeway, and people standing around a woman who was severely injured.

Detroit EMS pronounced the woman dead at the scene, state police said. She has not yet been identified.

The driver who struck the woman did not stay at the scene.

“Troopers are currently using technology that is available in the area to identify the vehicle involved,” MSP F/Lt. Mike Shaw said.

The Lodge Freeway, also known as M-10, was closed at about 2:46 a.m. Friday between Chicago Boulevard / Hamilton Avenue and Clairmount Street for the investigation and emergency assistance, according to Michigan Department of Transportation reports. The Lodge was reported back open at 6:05 a.m.

Michigan Department of Transportation traffic reports are at the MI Drive site.

State police said their investigation is continuing. Those who witnessed the crash or have other information are asked to call the MSP Metro South Post at 734-287-5000 or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 800-SPEAK-UP.

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