The Michigan sign-stealing saga is finally at its conclusion. The NCAA’s Committee on Infractions delivered its final verdict, levying a $20 million fine against the university and imposing a suspension on coach Sherrone Moore and a 10-year show-cause upon Jim Harbaugh, among other punitive measures, after it found that “Michigan football program committed violations involving an off-campus, in-person scouting scheme.”
The NCAA’s decision specifically names former staffer Connor Stalions, an otherwise unassuming member of Michigan’s recruiting personnel department that was thrust into the limelight when initial reports of the scandal leaked, as the mastermind. But it also tagged Harbaugh with a “responsibility violation” and Moore with a Level II “failure to cooperate” violation.
The investigation also confirmed that Stalions, during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, directed individuals to conduct advanced in-person scouting of Michigan’s future opponents. That was already known through various reports.
In fact, the sign-stealing scheme came to light almost two years ago. It’s been a long road to get to the NCAA’s decision, filled with twists and turns involving other schools and multiple ex-Michigan assistants and staffers.
Here’s a look at the entire timeline, from the scandal’s origins to its likely endpoint.
Michigan sign-stealing scandal timeline
May 2022: Stalions, who joined Harbaugh’s staff in 2018 as a volunteer assistant, received a promotion to defensive analyst. By this point Stalions already developed his advanced sign-stealing scheme.
Oct. 1, 2022: According to Stalions, he received a game ball for “deciphering signals” in Michigan’s 27-14 win against Iowa. It is not a violation of NCAA guidelines to decode…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/michigan-sign-stealing-penalties-timeline-shows-how-saga-evolved-from-initial-news-to-ncaa-final-ruling/
Author : Will Backus
Publish date : 2025-08-15 15:41:00
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