Former staffer shared docs with Michigan showing Big Ten team had team's signs, per report

In talking to Larry Lage of the Associated Press, a former employee of a former Big Ten football program has revealed a new twist in the Michigan sign-stealing scandal. He says his job was to steal signs and “compile” a spreadsheet of signs the Wolverines used — working with multiple schools across the conference.

The employee stated he handed over the spreadsheet and other documents to Michigan in the past week and their investigation rages on.

“The spreadsheet was compiled with details from a handful of coaches and programs across the Big Ten, the person said,” the Associated Press report said. “He also said gave the details to Michigan last week because he hoped it would help Jim Harbaugh’s embattled program and he believes Harbaugh and his coaches are being unfairly blamed for the actions of a rogue staffer.”

Now, the report from the AP does not state whether or not the anonymous former Big Ten staffer stole those signs in the same way Michigan did. The Wolverines’ investigation stems from Conor Stalions going to games in person and filming from the sideline. Multiple tickets — from Big Ten schools and even dipping into other conferences — were bought under Stalions’ name to prepare for future Michigan opponents.

Either way, the person speaking to the AP is attempting to help Michigan out. His opinion on the investigation was shared in the report. In a time where not too many people are on Michigan’s side, they have this former employee of a Big Ten program giving them new information.

Process beginning to unfold in Michigan sign-stealing scandal

From the time the Michigan sign-stealing scandal broke, the long, long journey toward its resolution began. New information has seemingly been learned on a daily basis between Michigan’s system to steal signs or something Connor Stalions did.

On Monday afternoon, a big step was taken by the Big Ten in the investigation. Michigan has now received a formal notification of potential disciplinary action.

“A Michigan official has confirmed to ESPN that the school received formal notification from the Big Ten of potential disciplinary action,” ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg wrote. “This is a step stated in the league’s sportsmanship policy.”

If any kind of disciplinary action is taken by the Big Ten, this will likely open a whole new can of worms. Michigan would have the option of taking legal action and delay their punishments before the end of the 2023 season.