Ann Arbor, Michigan – Michigan football is standing firm as it copes with an ongoing investigation by the NCAA regarding alleged sign-stealing activities. According to recent reports, the university has responded formally, asserting that the NCAA is “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” without solid evidence to support its claims.
The probe began when Michigan received a formal notice of allegations in August 2024. This notice details multiple Level I violations supposedly linked to a sign-stealing plot orchestrated by former analyst Connor Stalions. The allegations also target former head coach Jim Harbaugh and two other assistants, highlighting a “pattern of noncompliance.”
Michigan argues that out of 52 games involving opponents that Stalions supposedly scouted, he attended only one in person. The university maintains that eight other games were attended by staff members, while the remaining gatherings included friends and family, actions that do not violate NCAA rules.
The university claims that many of Stalions’ tactics were legally sound and did not provide an undue advantage. In its official response, Michigan has requested that the NCAA classify most of the infractions as Level II violations, which are considered less severe than Level I.
Additionally, the situation has been complicated by the revelation that the whistleblower in the case is a former university employee, although their identity remains undisclosed by the NCAA. Michigan contends that evidence from anonymous sources should not be permissible in this investigation.
On another note, coach Sherrone Moore admitted to deleting 52 text messages with Stalions out of frustration over potential distractions from the team’s achievements. These messages were later recovered.
In a previous incident, Michigan faced three years of probation due to illicit recruiting violations during the pandemic, complicating matters since multiple individuals involved in the current investigation may be deemed second-time offenders. Harbaugh himself received a four-year show-cause penalty before moving to the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers after leading the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1997.
As the investigation continues, Michigan aims to defend its program and push back against what they see as overblown accusations.
