The Michigan Wolverines football program has received a Notice of Allegations (NOA) from the NCAA regarding an alleged sign-stealing scandal that surfaced last fall, prior to the team’s national championship victory. The allegations involve potential NCAA rule violations by several Michigan staff members, including first-year coach Sherrone Moore.
Allegations and Implications
The Notice of Allegations accuses seven Michigan staffers from the 2023 team of engaging in unauthorized sign-stealing activities. According to reports, former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions was at the center of the controversy, allegedly purchasing tickets to games played by Michigan’s conference opponents and potential College Football Playoff competitors. The purpose was to gather and steal opponents’ signs, giving the Wolverines a tactical edge in future games.
The NCAA’s Notice of Allegations outlines the process that will follow. The Wolverines have 90 days to respond to the NOA in writing. After Michigan’s response, the NCAA will have 60 days to issue its own response. Based on these exchanges, the NCAA will decide if a hearing in front of the Committee on Infractions is warranted.
Involvement of Coach Sherrone Moore
Reports indicate that Sherrone Moore, Michigan’s offensive line coach, could face significant repercussions. An early draft of the NOA obtained by ESPN suggests Moore might be penalized with a suspension and a show-cause order. This is linked to accusations that he deleted a thread of 52 text messages exchanged with Connor Stalions in October 2023, the same day the sign-stealing allegations came to light. These messages were reportedly recovered through device imaging techniques, which could lead to Moore being accused of a Level 2 violation for obstruction of the investigation.
Moore’s involvement in this controversy may be further compounded by a previous NCAA investigation into the Michigan football program. In April, the NCAA concluded a separate inquiry into recruiting violations during a COVID-19 dead period in 2021. If Moore is found guilty of the current allegations, he could be considered a repeat offender, which may lead to harsher penalties.
Broader Implications for Michigan Football
This latest scandal adds to a tumultuous period for the Michigan Wolverines. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh, who led the team to a national championship, was suspended for the final three regular-season games of the 2023 season due to the sign-stealing investigation. Harbaugh has since moved on to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Additionally, other former Michigan staff members are implicated in the NOA. Chris Partridge, a former linebackers coach, and Denard Robinson, the former assistant director of personnel, are both accused of Level 1 violations, which are considered the most severe by NCAA standards.
As the Michigan Wolverines prepare to respond to the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations, the case will be closely watched by the college football community. The outcome could have significant ramifications not only for the individuals involved but also for the Michigan football program as a whole. The NCAA’s actions will likely set a precedent for how similar sign-stealing controversies are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of integrity and adherence to rules in collegiate sports.
