ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan Wolverines are facing serious scrutiny from the NCAA as they have received a final notice of allegations related to an ongoing investigation concerning in-person scouting and sign-stealing operations conducted by a member of the football staff. This announcement was made by both the NCAA and the university on Sunday.
The notice follows an earlier draft that included accusations against former head coach Jim Harbaugh, current head coach Sherrone Moore, and former recruiting analyst Connor Stalions. Michigan has been now given a 90-day period to respond to these allegations. Following the response, a hearing with the NCAA’s committee on infractions might take place, although a negotiated resolution could also occur.
This investigation has loomed over Michigan during their successful 2023 season when the team claimed its first national championship since 1997, despite the controversies. The NCAA rules prohibit in-person advanced scouting, which investigators are looking into concerning how systematic the operations were and who was aware.
Records reveal that Stalions had purchased tickets to games of future opponents, using hired individuals to record the teams when they signaled plays. After the issues surfaced, Stalions was initially placed on leave before resigning, and he has not engaged with the NCAA’s inquiry. His side of the story may come to light with an upcoming Netflix documentary titled “Sign Stealer”, set to debut on Tuesday.
Harbaugh now coaches the Los Angeles Chargers and maintains he was unaware of any impermissible scouting while with the Wolverines. He is still at risk of facing Level 1 violations. The Big Ten had earlier suspended Harbaugh for the final three regular-season games of 2023 as a response to Michigan’s violation of the conference’s sportsmanship policy tied to the sign-stealing investigation. Furthermore, the NCAA imposed a show-cause order on Harbaugh for recruiting violations, effectively barring him from college coaching for four years.
As Michigan gears up for its season opener at home against Fresno State on August 31, they will seek to navigate this ongoing investigation while aiming for further success on the field.
