The Big Ten Conference formally notified the University of Michigan of potential disciplinary action pertaining to the football team’s sign-stealing scandal, school officials told media outlets Monday evening.
The notice of disciplinary action is an early step in the process written into the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy.
“In the event it becomes clear that an institution is likely to be subjected to disciplinary action, the Commissioner shall notify that institution or individual at the earliest reasonable opportunity,” the policy says. “Under no circumstances shall the Commissioner comment publicly regarding either an investigation or disciplinary action without having first provided notice to any involved institution or individual.”
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, a member of the College Football Playoff selection committee, said in a statement that he is not traveling to the Dallas area for this week’s rankings meeting “but instead will stay in Ann Arbor, attending to important matters regarding the ongoing investigation into our football program.”
Both signs point to a disciplinary ruling coming down the pipeline from Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti in the near future. The Athletic reported that officials expect a resolution by the middle of the week.
Connor Stalions, the football analyst identified as the person of interest at the center of the alleged sign-stealing, resigned on Friday after spending two weeks serving a suspension with pay.
Michigan is under investigation for allegations of impermissible off-campus scouting and sign-stealing. Multiple outlets have reported that Stalions had purchased game tickets to watch Big Ten foes as well as several potential College Football Playoff opponents such as Georgia, Clemson and Alabama. Stalions also reportedly bought seats at numerous Big Ten games in areas where the opponents’ sideline signals could be viewed.
In a statement via his attorney when he resigned, Stalions said he was not told by head coach Jim Harbaugh “nor any other coach or staff member” to break any rules, nor were they aware of his conduct.
Harbaugh has denied having knowledge of any wrongdoing. Michigan is planning to respond with legal action if the Big Ten chooses to suspend Harbaugh indefinitely, ESPN and The Athletic reported.
The NCAA joined a separate investigation being conducted by Central Michigan over whether Stalions snuck onto the Chippewas’ sideline during their Sept. 1 season opener at Michigan State.
–Field Level Media