Michigan releases statement following sign-stealing punishment from NCAA, will appeal

Michigan officially received their punishments and sanctions as a result of their sign-stealing scandal this morning from the NCAA. Now, the Wolverines have responded to what’s been imposed against them.

The maize & blue have released a statement in response to their punishment levied by the NCAA.

“We appreciate the work of the Committee on Infractions. 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, and we will consider all other options.”

The NCAA came down with several punishments on Friday on both the program as a whole as well as specific people involved in the sign-stealing storyline. As for the program, Michigan has been placed on a four-year probation, will receive multiple significant fines, and will see a cut as far their recruiting. It’ll be a $50,000 fine plus a fines relating to a percentage of their budget, a fine in relation to revenue earned from the next two postseasons, and a fine based on a percentage for scholarships while the recruiting reductions cost them official visits and communications during their probation.

“It is never our intent to be in a position where we are accused of any rules violations,” Michigan AD Warde Manuel said. “I fully support Coach Sherrone Moore, our student-athletes and staff as they prepare for the season ahead. I appreciate Coach Moore’s continued commitment to ensuring his program operates in compliance with applicable rules. I acknowledge the Committee on Infractions’ decision to not penalize our current student-athletes by eliminating postseason opportunities; however, a postseason ban should never have been a consideration in this case. I fully support the university’s decision to pursue an appeal. Coach Moore and I will not have any further comment.”

Then, when it comes to those on staff, Jim Harbaugh, their former head coach, has received a ten-year show-cause, Connor Stalions, the one apparently behind the sign-stealing operation, received an eight-year show-cause, and Denard Robinson also received a three-year show-cause. Sherrone Moore, their current head coach, then received a two-year show-case as well as well as additional game that he’ll be suspended for, as he’ll already serve a two-game self-imposed suspension this season, to open next season.

“I am glad that this part of the process has been completed,” said Moore. “I greatly respect the rules governing collegiate athletics and it is my intent to have our program comply with those rules at all times. I will continue to focus my attention on our team and the upcoming 2025 season.”