Michigan Resolves Controversy with Big Ten, Concludes Sign-Stealing Inquiry in Agreement

The University of Michigan declared on Thursday that its head football coach, Jim Harbaugh, will complete a three-game suspension imposed by the Big Ten Conference. This comes as a part of a settlement to terminate the conference’s probe into allegations of Michigan attempting to illicitly acquire rival teams’ play signals.

This agreement marks the culmination of a controversy that has lasted over a month, involving a high-profile college football team, a renowned coach, and claims that a Michigan staff member at the lower level bought tickets for games of upcoming opponents. The aim was allegedly to send individuals to record the play-calling signals of those teams electronically.

Michigan, in a formal statement, expressed that Coach Harbaugh, backed by the university, agreed to the punishment to refocus attention on the athletes and their on-field performance. The university emphasized that the conference found no evidence of Harbaugh’s involvement in these allegations and assured continued cooperation with the ongoing NCAA investigation.

The Big Ten had initially suspended Harbaugh the previous Friday, following an NCAA inquiry into the allegations that came to light three weeks prior. Michigan sought legal action for an injunction, but Harbaugh was absent from the team’s game against Penn State.

Although a court hearing in Ann Arbor was scheduled for Friday, Michigan and Harbaugh withdrew their legal complaint, leading to Harbaugh’s absence in the upcoming games against Maryland and Ohio State.

Harbaugh is allowed to coach during practice sessions, with the suspension only affecting his presence on game days.

The University of Michigan, currently ranked second, is a contender for the national championship and aims for its third consecutive Big Ten title and entry into the College Football Playoff.

The allegations surfaced four weeks ago, centering around a sophisticated sign-stealing scheme purportedly orchestrated by Connor Stalions, a recruiting analyst who has since resigned following a suspension. The Big Ten had announced its investigation into these claims.

While the NCAA does not specifically prohibit sign-stealing, it does forbid scouting at future opponents’ games and the use of electronic devices for recording team signals.

The Big Ten, led by Commissioner Tony Petitti, moved quickly to impose a three-game suspension on Harbaugh, which the university immediately contested.

The decision to settle was made as the Big Ten refused to reduce the suspension, and the university opted to avoid legal proceedings, securing the conference’s termination of its investigation. This information was provided by a source who chose to remain anonymous.

Michigan Investigation Update

• Ex-staffer Connor Stalions did not submit expense reports, as found by AP’s FOIA request.
• John Harbaugh defends his brother, asserting a lack of substantial evidence.

Harbaugh, having already served a suspension imposed by the school for a different NCAA infraction, will miss half of the season’s regular games. He has consistently denied any involvement in the alleged scheme.

Despite the scandal, Harbaugh praised his team’s resilience and winning spirit, referring to Michigan as “America’s team.”

Evidence of ticket purchases under Stalions’ name and video footage of individuals recording play signals have been found by multiple Big Ten schools.

Big Ten coaches and administrators, frustrated and incensed, urged Petitti to act against Harbaugh before the NCAA’s investigation concluded.

Michigan criticized the commissioner’s decision, alleging an overreach of authority and non-compliance with conference bylaws.

Warde Manuel, Michigan’s Athletic Director, issued a strongly worded statement before the Penn State game, underscoring the lack of evidence against Harbaugh and defending his position as the head coach.

Harbaugh is eligible to return for the Big Ten championship game, where the outcome of the Michigan-Ohio State game will determine the conference championship contender and potentially a playoff spot.

Reported by Russo from New York.

For continuous updates on AP Top 25 poll and college football news, visit the AP college football page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Michigan Football Controversy

More about Michigan Football Controversy

• Michigan Football Suspension Details
• Jim Harbaugh and Big Ten Settlement
• NCAA Investigation into Michigan Sign-Stealing
• Michigan’s Response to Football Controversy
• Big Ten Conference Allegations and Actions