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Report: Big Ten Sportsmanship policy punishment includes potential TV ban, withholding revenue

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome11/07/23anthonytbroome
NCAA Football: Bowling Green at Michigan
(Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

The Michigan Wolverines are currently wrapped up in an investigation into an alleged illegal scouting operation, and the Big Ten has already informed U-M that it could lay its own punishment down.

According to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, citing the Big Ten’s Sportsmanship Policy, a punishment for violating that particular policy could go as far as withholding TV and bowl game revenue from the school and a TV ban from games being broadcasted. This would be all in addition or aside from what head coach Jim Harbaugh might face.

It is also worth noting that these are a range of outcomes, not exactly where things are trending, per say.

Here’s what Dodd states is on the table in the report:

The Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy spells out a wide range of potential penalties aside from a suspension of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, according to documents obtained by CBS Sports, as the sign-stealing scandal remains ongoing.

The penalties range from a reprimand to probation to a possible TV ban. Other potential penalties include withholding TV and bowl game revenue from the university. As part of those penalties laid out in Rule 19.5 of the sportsmanship policy, a “staff member” can be suspended.

Michigan on Monday received evidence related to the sign-stealing scandal from the Big Ten as well as a formal notice of potential disciplinary action against the program, sources told CBS Sports. The school has been given until Wednesday to respond. The NCAA has already shared some of its findings with the league.

With all of this on the table for Michigan and Harbaugh, Dodd’s report states that a lawsuit would likely be filed “maybe 10 [minutes after punishment is handed down]”.

The investigation into Michigan’s sign-stealing operation was opened two weeks ago on Oct. 19. Stalions was named as the person of interest in the case due in large part to evidence that he purchased tickets to games of 12 of 13 Big Ten opponents over the last three seasons and other potential postseason opponents. The tickets were purchased in his own name and then transferred to others.

Last week, Central Michigan University also opened up an investigation on a man resembling Stalions appearing on the sideline with a victors pass and team-issued gear for the Sept. 1 opener at Michigan State. The NCAA has stepped in to further investigate CMU, it was announced on Nov. 6.

The investigation into Michigan’s alleged illegal on-site scouting and sign stealing is now joined by allegations that fellow Big Ten schools may have violated Big Ten rules in stealing and sharing U-M’s signs, the AP reports.

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