The University of Michigan has been waiting to hear its punishment for the 2023 sign-stealing scandal. The scandal refers to the incidents from 2023, where Michigan staffer Connor Stalions sent people to future opponents’ games to record the sidelines to learn signs from the coaching staff. The NCAA finally announced the punishments in a ruling on Friday.
The Wolverines will face several penalties, including show-cause order suspensions for many members of the coaching staff from 2023. Additionally, the university itself will receive fines that could surpass $30 million.
On Friday, Sports Illustrated writer Pat Forde appeared on “The Paul Finebaum Show.” He broke down the punishments handed out to Michigan. He explained that while it is an expensive fine, Michigan can afford it, and getting fined is far better than some other punishments the university could have received.
“The fine is legitimate. Probably going to be $30 million,” Pat Forde said (2:10). “It’s no small amount, that’s for sure, but this is the University of Michigan. Not exactly a poverty stricken university, and they’ll be just fine, I think out of this. As expensive as this is, it’s a win for Michigan. This season isn’t gonna be impacted any more than they already knew it would be, and they’re free to go about their business.”
The University of Michigan Plans To Appeal the NCAA Ruling
While many members of the college football community believe the University of Michigan got off easy in its punishment, it released a statement on Friday following the ruling. It explained that the university plans to appeal the ruling.
“We appreciate the work of the Committee on Infractions,” Michigan wrote in a statement. “But, respectfully, in a number of instances the decision makes fundamental errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws; and it includes a number of conclusions that are directly contrary to the evidence — or lack of evidence — in the record. We will appeal this decision to ensure a fair result.”
Other significant punishments include recruiting restrictions and suspensions for members of the 2023 coaching staff. Notably, head coach Sherrone Moore received a two-year show-cause order and a three-game suspension. He will serve two of those games this coming season, and one in the first game of the 2026 season. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh received a 10-year show-cause order, starting in 2028, following his current four-year show-cause penalty.
Read More:
- Who is Connor Stalions? The Man at the Middle of the Michigan College Football Controversy
- “Complete Joke” “Basically Nothing”: Fans Left Fuming As Jim Harbaugh, Connor Stalions Receive Punishment on Cheating Scandal
- “Strip Them Of The Title”: Fans Ask For Stricter Measures As Michigan Faces One Game Suspension In Aftermath Of Sign-Stealing Scandal
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