The Michigan Wolverines and Connor Stalions case is back in the spotlight after Stalions appeared at a recent NCAA Infractions hearing. That’s led to further worries over potential disciplinary action, particularly for HC Sherrone Moore.
Could this development signal serious consequences for the program’s leadership?
Analyst Pete Thamel Says Michigan HC Sherrone Moore Could Face More Than a 2-Game Suspension
In 2023, Michigan Wolverines football coach Sherrone Moore, then Michigan’s offensive coordinator and now the second-year head coach, was on staff when former analyst Connor Stalions was first accused of running an illicit scouting operation.
Stalions allegedly recruited friends and family to attend games and record opponents’ sideline signals, later using the footage to decode play calls.
In August 2024, the NCAA issued a notice of 11 violations against Michigan, including six classified as Level I, the most severe. Moore’s current suspension stems from claims that he deleted a text thread with Stalions containing 52 messages, reportedly on the same Oct. 2023 day news broke about the signal-stealing scheme.
The controversy that should have been closed a year ago is still ongoing, bogged down by slow-moving bureaucracy and red tape. Rather than swift justice and clear answers about who was behind the sign-stealing scandal, the process includes selective NCAA leaks and frustrating delays.
However, on June 6, the NCAA finally began its hearings. So, what does this mean for Moore’s fate?
On the June 5 episode of “ESPN College Football” podcast, Pete Thamel joined Dan Wetzel to discuss topics like the College Football Playoff alleged “5+11” format and Moore’s situation with the NCAA.
“So, there’s clearly a signal from the other side that the NCAA/committee seems like they think he should be suspended for more; it’s a negotiation. They’re going to meet in the middle,” Thamel said.
“So, it’s reasonable to ascertain that Michigan’s going in low with the two. Now, whether he actually ends up missing those two, whether that’s accepted, whether they do more, there are a lot of variables here.”
Michigan had recently proposed a two-game self-imposed suspension for Moore in Weeks 3 and 4, keeping him out against Central Michigan and Nebraska, but notably not against his alma mater, Oklahoma, in Week 2. Critics called the move strategic, and now, according to Thamel, the NCAA may be pushing for harsher penalties.
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Since 2023, Moore has also been linked to a separate recruiting violation tied to the well-known “burger gate” scandal involving Moore’s predecessor, Jim Harbaugh. With multiple allegations in play, Moore’s situation could become increasingly complex.
Luckily, his $27.5 million contract has a clause that shields him from termination over these specific accusations. While the allegations occurred during the Harbaugh era, Moore still faces the consequences.
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