Michigan has admitted to cheating in their response to the NCAA allegations and the university has vigorously defended itself against most of the accusations while acknowledging only limited wrongdoing in a 137-page document sent to the NCAA earlier this month.
The University of Michigan’s response to the NCAA’s notice of allegations regarding a sign-stealing scheme has revealed a complex and contentious situation. While the school has acknowledged that some impermissible in-person scouting occurred, it maintains that this was less extensive than the NCAA claims. Michigan also admitted to some recruiting violations but argues that these issues should be addressed in a Committee on Infractions hearing.
Michigan’s Defense
The university’s response strongly defends former head coach Jim Harbaugh, current head coach Sherrone Moore, other staff members, and even Connor Stalions, the low-level assistant at the center of the scandal[1]. Michigan contends that many of the NCAA’s 11 allegations, including six Level I violations categorized as “severe breach of conduct,” lack merit or credible evidence.
Michigan’s primary arguments include:
1. The sign-stealing system had “minimal relevance to competition”.
2. The NCAA’s allegations were not credibly proven by investigators.
3. The case should be treated as a minor violation rather than a serious infraction.
Obviously, point number one admits guilt. Whether or not the cheating had a tangible impact on the program’s greatest three-year stretch is moot (but obvious…yes…cheating helped). Plus, we get some light shed on why Mike Hart was dismissed from the program. He received a call from a Rutgers coach naming Connor Stalions by name and alleged the cheating. Hart brought it up to then-defensive coordinator and current Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter.
Jim Harbaugh fled to the NFL with Minter to avoid actual punishment for cheating, leaving Sherrone Moore to be the fall guy.
Interesting.
Specific Allegations Addressed
Deleted Text Messages
One of the most significant allegations involves current head coach Sherrone Moore, who allegedly deleted 52 text messages from a thread with Stalions in October 2023. Michigan and Moore acknowledge the deletion but argue that the texts were “innocuous and not material to the investigation”. The university claims Moore fully cooperated with the inquiry, even allowing his phone to be imaged, which led to the recovery of the deleted messages.
Because only innocent people delete potentially incriminating evidence, right?
In-Person Scouting
While Michigan admits that some unauthorized in-person scouting took place, they argue it was less extensive than the NCAA claims. The university maintains that investigators have not demonstrated that coaches were aware of or participated in the scheme, despite providing phone, computer, and other data to the NCAA. When a low-level staffer comes up to you with a complete book of the opponent’s plays and signals, you tend to know these things.
Michigan’s Stance on the Investigation
Michigan accuses the NCAA of overreaching and making exaggerated accusations without solid proof. The university urges the NCAA to apply “common sense and a commitment to fairness,” advocating for the case to be treated as a “Level II standard case” rather than a serious Level I infraction.
Interestingly, Michigan’s response reveals that the initial tipster in the sign-stealing saga came from within the university’s own campus. This revelation raises questions about the integrity of the investigation, with Michigan arguing that the NCAA should only present evidence based on information from identifiable sources.
The school is just brazen in its commitment to defending the worst cheating scandal in college football history.
Implications and Next Steps
Michigan’s defense and refusal to enter a “negotiated resolution” with the NCAA suggest that a protracted legal battle may be on the horizon. The university believes that the Committee on Infractions will recognize that the actual evidence does not support the NCAA’s initial evaluation or the “sensational public narrative”.
Because the uproar to the cheating absolves the school of the cheating, right?
As the case progresses, it will likely have significant implications for Michigan’s football program, potentially affecting current and future seasons. The NCAA’s response to Michigan’s defense and the eventual ruling by the Committee on Infractions will be closely watched by the college football community.
In conclusion, while Michigan has acknowledged some minor infractions, it is far from admitting to the extensive cheating alleged by the NCAA, just as any serial criminal does. The university’s response paints a picture of an overzealous investigation based on limited evidence, setting the stage for a contentious and potentially lengthy dispute between Michigan and the NCAA.
For some reason, Michigan believes it is above the law. In all reality, this three-year cheating scandal is worse than anything that has warranted the Death Penalty in the past.
Will the NCAA do the right thing or prove once and for all it’s toothless and college football must break free from it?
