Nearly two years after Conner Stalions’ advanced scouting for the Michigan Wolverines football team came to light, the NCAA released its findings and sanctions Friday. Let’s take a look at key takeaways.
College Football: Ohio State Julian Fleming (4) in action, runs with the football vs Michigan at Ohio Stadium. Football analyst Connor Stalions and head coach Jim Harbaugh present in the background. Columbus, OH 11/26/2022CREDIT: David E. Klutho (Photo by David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164248 TK1)
The NCAA did not have much evidence. “The true scope and scale of the scheme — including the competitive advantage it conferred—will never be known due to individuals’ intentional destruction and withholding of materials and information,” an admission from the NCAA lends to the fact that they had little evidence. While it could be read as an admission of guilt, the fact is the NCAA was unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Connor Stalions let coaches in on his scheme.
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Acting head coach Sherrone Moore of the Michigan Wolverines watches the teams warm up before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 18, 2023 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Head coach Sherrone Moore suspended three games. In May, Michigan suspended head coach Sherrone Moore two games in hopes of fending off a longer suspension from the NCAA. Friday, the NCAA tacked on one more game. Moore will not be on the sidelines during weeks three and four and will serve a one-game suspension next season. Moore’s cooperation with the NCAA’s investigation was a contributing factor to a shorter suspension.
Michigan will appeal. In the hours after the sanctions were released, Michigan sent out a press release stating the University will appeal the investigation. “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, and we will consider all other options.” This was part of the statement. Michigan and its team of lawyers are prepared to push back against the NCAA’s lack of evidence.
While there is certainly some grey area, there is also a lack of evidence to give an accurate judgment. While a $20M fine and a head coach suspension seem too much to some and too little to others, this is what the NCAA has concluded.
