Lakers' LeBron James pokes fun at Michigan amid ongoing sign-stealing scandal
Jim Harbaugh was suspended from coaching Michigan's last three games
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}NBA superstar LeBron James did not play basketball at Ohio State, but he was born in Ohio and has shown his support for the Buckeyes over the years.
Michigan's football program is embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal, which prompted the Big Ten Conference to suspend Jim Harbaugh from coaching the team's final three regular-season games.
Wolverines football staffer Connor Stalions was suspended over the alleged sign-stealing scheme, later resigning.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Ohio State fans, as you may have heard, are not fond of Michigan football. Even James could not help himself when the opportunity presented itself to take a jab at the Buckeyes' top rival.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gestures to a referee during the first half in Game 3 of a Western Conference semifinal game against the Golden State Warriors May 6, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The 19-time All-Star took a light-hearted swipe at the Wolverines and Harbaugh in the aftermath of the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the Phoenix Suns Friday night.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}MICHIGAN REMAINS UNDEFEATED, DEFEATS PENN STATE AMID JIM HARBAUGH'S BAN
James said the Lakers were able to decipher some of Suns coach Frank Vogel’s signals on the sideline because the team is familiar with him. Vogel coached the Lakers when they won their 2020 title in the NBA bubble.
"The best thing about tonight is we were able to get those signals, and we’ll still be able to play on Sunday," James said, referring to the Lakers' next game. "We won’t get suspended, like that team up north."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Michigan logo at Michigan Stadium (Simon Bruty /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Even without Harbaugh on the sidelines, the Wolverines defeated Penn State. The win improved Michigan's record to 10-0. Running back Blake Corum rushed for 145 yards and scored two touchdowns to help lift the Wolverines to a 24-15 victory.
A Michigan Wolverines helmet before the VRBO Fiesta Bowl national championship semifinal game between the Michigan Wolverines and the TCU Horned Frogs Dec. 31, 2022, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. (Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The undefeated Wolverines are seeking a third straight Big Ten title. Harbaugh's suspension only applies to the regular season. So, he would be permitted to return to the sidelines if Michigan advances to the Big Ten championship game.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Harbaugh would also be eligible to coach for any potential College Football Playoff games or other bowl games. Michigan has not won a national title since 1997.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.