Michigan State fined, Dantonio, Harbaugh reprimanded

The Big Ten fined Michigan State $10,000 and reprimanded the Spartans football team, coach Mark Dantonio,

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh

and Wolverines linebacker Devin Bush for their actions and comments regarding a confrontation before last week's game.

The Big Ten announced Wednesday that Michigan State violated the conference's sportsmanship policy when its team walked across the field with linked arms and initiated contact with Michigan players, who were on the field during pregame warmups.

Dantonio, who was walking behind the team during its pregame ritual, was reprimanded for "failing to take action to mitigate a foreseeable conflict from occurring."

Harbaugh was reprimanded for postgame comments about the incident and Dantonio. Bush was reprimanded for tearing up Michigan State's midfield logo with his cleats before the game.

Michigan went on to beat Michigan State 21-7.

Fired Ohio State assistant Smith pleads guilty to lesser charge

Fired Ohio State assistant football coach Zach Smith has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct and an Ohio court issued a three-year protective order that keeps him away from his ex-wife.

Smith had been facing a criminal trespass charge stemming from a May dispute.

According to Delaware Municipal Court documents, he pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor disorderly conduct and was fined $150.

Smith said in a Twitter post he agreed to plead guilty to avoid the cost of a trial and end the situation.

Courtney Smith agreed to the deal because "a public trial would have had a negative impact on the children," according to a statement from her attorney.

Zach Smith was fired in July by coach Urban Meyer after domestic violence allegations surfaced.