Petitti Confirms Big Ten Letter to NCAA, Frustrated with Timeline

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti confirmed Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days that the conference submitted a letter to the NCAA regarding the University of Michigan’s role in the ongoing sign-stealing investigation, but declined to share its contents while emphasizing the need for a more efficient disciplinary system.

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“Well, the first part, I’m going to confirm that we did submit a letter,” Petitti said. “It’s not uncommon in proceedings for conference office to weigh in. I’m not going to address what the contents of the letter we sent are. 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.”

The NCAA’s case against Michigan stems from allegations that a former staffer led an effort to in-person scout opponents and decipher their play signals — a violation of NCAA rules. In November 2023, the Big Ten suspended then-head coach Jim Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season under its sportsmanship policy.

At the time, the Big Ten also stated it considered its own investigation closed unless new information was uncovered by the NCAA. That process has dragged on well into its second year, as the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions has yet to issue a final ruling or public timeline.

Petitti said the length of the ongoing process highlights the need for reform within college athletics governance, especially as a new regulatory framework — the Collegiate Sports Committee (CSC) — is being shaped to streamline enforcement in the future.

“Look, 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’s faster is a priority, one that reacts more quickly,” he said. “This is a 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 are building for the enforcement piece that’s going to live inside the CSC, that’s got to be still there.”

The drawn-out timeline surrounding Michigan’s case has sparked concern not just in Ann Arbor but across college athletics, where coaches and administrators have increasingly voiced frustration over the NCAA’s protracted enforcement system.

“It’s difficult to still be talking about this almost two seasons after,” Petitti added. “I think everybody agrees that part of the process should change.”

While the Big Ten’s disciplinary action against Harbaugh was swift and controversial, especially after weeks of speculation and public statements by rival coaches, the commissioner’s latest remarks signal a shift in focus. The letter to the NCAA underscores the conference’s continued involvement in the matter, even as the most visible phase of its own response concluded in 2023.

With the 2025 season fast approaching, Michigan remains in limbo as the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions weighs its decision, which could come at any time. Most of the allegations against Michigan are related to lack of cooperation, according to the NCAA, and recruiting violations found during the NCAA process. It remains to be seen how the COI will follow Petitti’s guidance or whether Michigan will face any additional punishment for the advanced scouting specifically. Connor Stalions is facing Level I violations for his own actions.