Tony Petitti confirms Big Ten sent letter to NCAA regarding Michigan allegations

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti confirmed the conference sent a letter to the NCAA regarding the sign-stealing allegations against Michigan. He did not get into specifics about what the letter said.

ESPN’s Dan Wetzel first reported the Big Ten’s letter to the NCAA, which he said the Wolverines don’t deserve any further punishment as a result of the situation. Michigan is facing 11 violations, including six Level I – the most serious according to NCAA rules.

Petitti pointed out it’s not out of the ordinary for a conference to reach out regarding an investigation. However, he didn’t discuss any particulars while the inquiry continues.

“The first part, I’ll confirm that we did send a letter,” Petitti said at Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas. “It’s not uncommon in proceedings for a conference office to weigh in. I’m not going to address what the contents of the letter we sent are.

“And because it’s an ongoing process, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to comment about whether it’s enough or not while there are individuals deliberating. I don’t think that’s the right thing to do in the process.”

The NCAA began its investigation into Michigan in 2023 after allegations of sign-stealing surfaced. The inquiry centered on former analyst Connor Stalions, who later resigned from his position. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh also served a suspension through the end of the 2023 regular season, handed down by Petitti under the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy.

In the time since, Michigan won the national championship and Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers, leading to Sherrone Moore’s elevation to head coach. The NCAA’s investigation continued, and Tony Petitti acknowledged how long it’s gone. He also pointed out the importance of the newly formed College Sports Commission and expediting the investigation process as the organization continues to build.

“I will say, having gone through this, one thing to point out is I think when you think about the CSC and the discipline and what we’re trying to build with the new entity, having an enforcement mechanism that just is faster is a priority – one that reacts more quickly,” Petitti said. “This is the system we have now. It’s been in place for a long time. It functions the way it was built.

“But I do think there’s this consensus among our colleagues that whatever we’re building for the enforcement piece that’s going to live inside the CSC, that it’s got to be there. It’s difficult to be still talking about this almost on two seasons after. So I think everybody agrees that part of the process should change.”