The NCAA has handed down punishments to Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore and former staff member Connor Stalions in connection with the school’s sign-stealing operation, which captivated the country during Michigan’s 2023 national championship run.
The punishments include a three-game suspension for Moore, who will serve two games already self-imposed this year against Central Michigan and at Nebraska, as well as a one-week ban in 2026 against Western Michigan in Germany. Stalions received an eight-year show-cause penalty, while former head coach Jim Harbaugh was hit with an additional 10-year show-cause.
A fine expected to exceed $30 million will also be levied against the school, but no postseason ban or victory vacating is included. The NCAA’s decision deviates from previous punishments, acknowledging that college athletics have moved away from penalties impacting student-athletes who weren’t implicated in the original case.
Connor Stalions’ elaborate scheme was revealed to involve $35,000 spent on secondary market tickets and 52 illicitly scouted games. A “dirty film” containing taped phone calls and smuggled hard drives played a significant role in uncovering the scheme. Former assistant Chris Partridge, who was fired amid the scandal, has been cleared of wrongdoing.
The NCAA report suggests that there may have been broader acceptance of Stalions’ methods within the program and questions remain unanswered regarding funding for the operation and key parties’ cooperation. The case marks a paradigm shift in the NCAA’s enforcement process, with high-profile cases shifting to the College Sports Commission due to a vote of no confidence in the NCAA infractions group.
Michigan has announced its intention to appeal the decision, citing errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws and direct contradictions to evidence.
Source: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/45989910/college-football-michigan-ncaa-punishment-report-learned