The University of Michigan and football coach Sherrone Moore have officially withdrawn their appeal against NCAA penalties related to a sign-stealing scandal. This decision follows significant fines and suspensions that have affected the Wolverines program and its staff since August 2023.
The NCAA imposed a fine exceeding $20 million on Michigan and suspended Moore for three games as part of the penalties. The infractions stemmed from a two-year investigation into a widespread sign-stealing operation that surfaced during Michigan’s successful run to the national championship in the 2023 season. In an official statement, the university cited the “prolonged impact” of an appeal on both the institution and its student-athletes as a key reason for dropping the case.
Moore had previously withdrawn his appeal on September 29 after serving a self-imposed two-game suspension. He will also face a suspension for the opening game of the 2026 season. The school formally withdrew its appeal on October 6, 2023.
The NCAA’s findings indicated “overwhelming” evidence of a cover-up by Wolverines staff, with officials noting that the circumstances warranted a potential multiyear postseason ban. Despite this, the NCAA refrained from imposing harsher penalties, stating that such actions would unfairly penalize current student-athletes for the misdeeds of former coaches and staff members.
Michigan’s football program is now facing a 25% reduction in official recruiting visits this season, alongside a 14-week prohibition on recruiting communications throughout a four-year probation period.
The university had previously asserted that the NCAA misinterpreted its bylaws and drew conclusions that contradicted the available evidence. Additionally, Jim Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback and current head coach of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, is facing a ten-year show-cause order following the conclusion of a prior four-year order that will last until August 7, 2028. Harbaugh has consistently claimed he was unaware of the sign-stealing operations.
The scandal primarily involved Connor Stalions, a former low-level staffer who orchestrated the sign-stealing efforts. Stalions received an eight-year show-cause order, effectively barring him from college athletics for the duration of the penalty. He has stated that he was aware of the signals used by opponents in seven games over two seasons.
While the NCAA does not have explicit rules against stealing signs, it prohibits schools from sending scouts to watch in-season opponents or using electronic devices to capture another team’s signals. The operation led by Stalions has been characterized by the NCAA as meticulously planned and executed.
As the 21st-ranked Wolverines (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) prepare to host Purdue University (2-6, 0-5) this Saturday, the fallout from the scandal continues to loom over the program, challenging its reputation and future prospects. The decision to drop the appeal marks a significant moment in what has been an ongoing saga for Michigan football.
