Eleven Legislators from the state of Michigan have written to Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, requesting due process as the conference considers disciplining Michigan in light of the NCAA’s investigation into sign-stealing. This Monday, the Big Ten formally informed Michigan that it might face disciplinary action after the NCAA allegedly shared its investigative results with the conference. ESPN reports that the institution responded to the conference on Wednesday afternoon, and a decision may be made this week.
“As members of the Michigan legislature, we write to you today to urge you to act prudently and refrain from taking premature measures against one of our state universities, including their athletic program, football team or coaching staff,” the letter reads. These people are our constituents, therefore we feel obligated to make sure they receive fair treatment.
“We enact laws in the legislature to safeguard the right to due process for all Michigan residents and organizations. The Big Ten Conference should likewise adhere to these fairness criteria,” the letter reads.
“As members of the Michigan legislature, we write to you today to urge you to act prudently and refrain from taking premature measures against one of our state universities, including their athletic program, football team or coaching staff,” the letter reads. These people are our constituents, therefore we feel obligated to make sure they receive fair treatment.
“We enact laws in the legislature to safeguard the right to due process for all Michigan residents and organizations. The Big Ten Conference should likewise adhere to these fairness criteria,” the letter reads.
“Allegations of misconduct against conference members from the State of Michigan should be taken seriously, but accusations, especially those made by interested parties, must be met with thoughtful and thorough investigations based on fairness for all of those involved.”
Jim Harbaugh, the coach of the Wolverines, has denied any knowledge of illicit sign-stealing, but one of the sanctions the Big Ten is considering is his suspension. If the conference takes that course, Harbaugh and the university are anticipated to file a lawsuit, sources told CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd.
It has been claimed that Big Ten coaches and officials have pushed Petitti to discipline Michigan for breaking the league’s sportsmanship rules. Michigan, however, has apparently retaliated, claiming in evidence submitted to the Big Ten that Ohio State, Rutgers, and Purdue exchanged intelligence regarding the Wolverines’ signals prior to the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game.
While extensive, in-person scouting is against NCAA guidelines, sign snatching is not.
Allegations have been made against former Wolverines employee Connor Stalions for leading an operation to buy tickets to over 30 Michigan opponents’ games in order to decipher play-call signals. Prior to his resignation from the staff on November 3, Michigan suspended Stalions on October 20.
Ahead of a pivotal Week 11 matchup with No. 10 Penn State, the Wolverines are 9-0 and ranked third in the most recent College Football Playoff Rankings.
