Michigan University Challenges NCAA’s Allegations in Sign-Stealing Case
Ann Arbor, MI – The University of Michigan is currently fighting back against allegations brought on by the NCAA regarding a sign-stealing scandal involving its football program. The university claims that the NCAA has shown a pattern of “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” the program, which faces 11 violations in the NCAA’s notice of allegations. These accusations primarily relate to an alleged sign-stealing operation allegedly led by former staff member Connor Stalions.
Michigan’s defense comes in a hefty 137-page document, which offers a detailed rebuttal to the allegations presented by the NCAA since receiving the notice in August 2023. The Wolverines contend that the NCAA’s claims include “numerous factually unsupported infractions”, exaggerate aggravating factors, and fail to take into account mitigating facts. The university argues that the alleged sign-stealing operation had “minimal relevance to competition”.
In their response, Michigan calls for the NCAA to use “common sense and commitment to fairness” while handling the case, suggesting it should be treated as a “Level II standard case”. Among the 11 alleged violations, six have been classified as Level I infractions, the most serious charge the NCAA can impose.
Michigan claims there is no evidence proving that any of its coaches were aware of the sign-stealing activities. Notably, current head coach Sherrone Moore was mentioned in the allegations due to the deletion of 52 text messages with Stalions shortly after the NCAA investigation was announced. Michigan acknowledges this deletion but maintains that the messages were “innocuous” and not relevant to the investigation. Moore stated that he deleted the texts out of frustration over the situation and not to obscure anything.
The investigation also cited that Stalions attended one game, while other games were attended by lower-level staff and friends, which Michigan argues does not breach any NCAA rules. In its defense, the university asserts that much of the signal decoding was legally done using publicly available footage, not through illegal means.
Additionally, Michigan addressed an accusation against former coach Jim Harbaugh, claiming he did not adequately cooperate with the NCAA from October 2023 to January 2024 regarding phone records. Michigan dismissed this assertion as “without merit”.
The situation is set to escalate as it is scheduled for a hearing before the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions in the coming weeks.
