Report: Big Ten expects response from Michigan today, ruling timeline updated for sign-stealing
ESPN’s Pete Thamel has revealed the latest in the Michigan sign-stealing scandal, and it’s the Wolverines’ move.
According the Thamel, the Big Ten is expecting a response from the program regarding their notice of discipline by the end of the day on Wednesday. However, Thamel isn’t expecting any ruling from the conference on Wednesday, as he’s expecting the conference to take their time to sort through Michigan’s response.
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“Sources: The Big expects a response from Michigan on the notice of discipline by the end of day on Wednesday,” Thamel posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Don’t expect any ruling by the Big Ten on Wednesday, as they are expected to take time to absorb Michigan’s response.”
Alas, it doesn’t look like the sign-stealing drama will be resolved on Wednesday, but we’re getting closer to a resolution, it seems.
On Tuesday, it was reported by ESPN that three Big Ten teams — Ohio State, Purdue and Rutgers — communicating about Michigan’s signs. The Wolverines sent documents to the Big Ten about it, and the new twist comes as they deal with their own sign-stealing scandal.
It’s common practice in college football to steal signs. The Athletic spoke with three Big Ten staffers and one former staffer who helped do just that, including decode Michigan’s signs. One of them pointed out the difference between the Wolverines and their program.
“We didn’t do anything wrong,” the Big Ten staffer told The Athletic. “Zero. They took it to another level. And they can’t hide it. They’re trying to divert it but they can’t hide it.”
Moreover, the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan stemmed from a nearly 30-year-old rule which prohibited teams from scouting future opponents in-person during the same season.
After that news came out, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported analyst Connor Stalions was at the center of the investigation, and multiple reports showed he bought tickets to Big Ten and possible College Football Playoff opponents’ games. He allegedly had people go to those games and film the sidelines.
Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson reported Stalions bragged about the sign-stealing and compiled his findings what was dubbed the “Michigan Manifesto.”
On Monday, Michigan received a notice of potential disciplinary action from the conference. The Wolverines have until Wednesday to respond, according to ESPN, as mentioned above.
On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this article.