A scandal-ridden Michigan football program has been dealt a severe blow by the NCAA Committee on Infractions. Former coach Jim Harbaugh was banned from coaching for five years, while a current staffer faces an eight-year show-cause penalty. The Wolverines also faced an $8 million fine, equivalent to two years of postseason revenue.
The sanctions stem from a three-year cheating scheme uncovered by the NCAA. Former support staffer Connor Stalions bought tickets to opponents’ games and filmed signals, earning him the nickname “the KGB.” Stalions’s methods included lying to investigators and destroying evidence. Current head coach Sherrone Moore was also implicated for deleting 52 text messages with Stalions.
The NCAA found that Michigan’s scouting limit was in place as a cost-saving measure, not to reduce competitive advantage. However, the committee deemed the program’s actions a serious violation, stating that the “effort to obstruct” and “failure to cooperate” worsened the infraction.
Michigan will keep its 2023 national championship, as the College Football Playoff is not an NCAA-sanctioned title. The school had argued that scouting was not related to honesty or sportsmanship, but the committee disagreed.
The sanctions are a significant blow to Michigan’s reputation, which has long touted integrity as core to its brand. Harbaugh himself defined “Michigan Man” as someone who does something bigger than themselves, cares about others, and never cheats.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6556158/2025/08/15/michigan-stalions-sign-stealing-harbaugh-integrity