We probably shouldn’t expect a resolution before the Michigan football team returns to the field while the NCAA looks into the program.
The NCAA’s investigation into the Michigan football program over accusations of sign-stealing during Connor Stalions’ tenure with the team is nearing its conclusion. / USA TODAY Sports/ Matthew O’Haren
In this article: Michigan football supporters should wait until after the 2024 season to hear anything regarding the outcome of the NCAA investigation into the program on accusations of sign-stealing.
Pete Thamel of ESPN College Football Insiders said as much, speculating that the NCAA will take its time deciding on and disclosing any possible sanctions for the program.
“I was told, it’s all like just in terms of timeline and precedent, it’s really highly unlikely any of this is going to be resolved before the start of the season,” he stated.
Jim Harbaugh, the former head coach of Michigan football, was hit this week by the NCAA with a four-year show-cause penalty, which effectively keeps him out of college coaching until 2028.
Given that he has a $80 million contract to coach the Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL through 2029, it’s unlikely that Harbaugh gives a damn.
However, the offense for which that punishment was meted out was recruiting during the Covid-19 dead time. Regarding the accusations of sign theft, the NCAA has not yet made a decision.
Because of this, some process insiders have surmised that Michigan would be subject to a two-year postseason ban, while others have suggested that Sherrone Moore, the team’s new head coach, might be suspended.
Michigan would use every resource at its disposal to fight the NCAA if it came to a postseason suspension.
Right now, it seems more likely that Moore will get a brief suspension rather than a ban.
The NCAA’s anticipated notice of allegations to Michigan is still in the draft stage, and drafts are subject to alter at any time during the procedure.
“Notice of accusations drafts are subject to revision. Simply put, it’s a draft,” Thamel said.
“Michigan attempted to reach a negotiated settlement at this time last year; these are turning points to begin that process.
“In this case, if you look at precedent, because there’s a lot of repeat violator things going on here, I don’t know if we’ll get to a negotiated resolution.”
