NCAA Issues Notice of Allegations Against Michigan Football Amid Scouting Scandal

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The NCAA has officially issued a formal Notice of Allegations (NOA) against the University of Michigan as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged illegal scouting and sign-stealing scheme, the university confirmed on Sunday. Michigan football program spokesperson Dave Ablauf stated, “We have received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA,” as reported to local media.

The NOA marks the next step in a process that could have significant implications for the Michigan football program. According to the NCAA’s rules, Michigan has 90 days to respond in writing to the NOA. Following that, the NCAA will take another 60 days to reply. If required, a hearing with the Committee on Infractions would typically be set for around two months after the university’s response. The full infractions report might then take an additional two to three months before it becomes public.

This situation isn’t the first time Michigan has faced scrutiny from the NCAA. Previously, an investigation centered around impermissible recruiting during a COVID-19 recruiting dead period in 2021 led to former head coach Jim Harbaugh receiving a four-year show-cause order and a one-year suspension for several violations, including “unethical conduct.” In a settlement from that case, Michigan and five of its staff members were placed on a three-year probation with imposed fines and recruiting restrictions.

This latest investigation began on October 19, 2023, after reports surfaced regarding an alleged illegal sign-stealing operation run by former football analyst Connor Stalions, who has since resigned from his position. Though in-game sign stealing is permitted, teams are not allowed to scout future opponents or use electronic devices to capture another team’s signals. Stalions reportedly purchased tickets to several games involving Michigan’s Big Ten rivals as well as potential College Football Playoff teams.

In conjunction with this investigation, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti suspended Harbaugh for the last three regular-season games last fall due to a violation of the Sportsmanship Policy.

The draft of the NOA that was leaked earlier this month indicates that Harbaugh, alongside former linebackers coach Chris Partridge and former assistant director of personnel Denard Robinson, faces Level I violations, which are considered the most severe in NCAA regulations. Current head coach Sherrone Moore is implicated as well. He allegedly deleted a thread of 52 text messages to Stalions shortly after news of the investigation broke. Although Moore cooperated with authorities by recovering the messages, the NCAA claims his actions could lead him to be classified as a repeat offender, given his previous suspension for another violation.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Moore affirmed that the Michigan program is fully cooperating with the NCAA, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidentiality throughout the process. “We hope you guys understand that,” he added.