The Big Ten has informed Michigan of potential disciplinary action, a Michigan spokesperson has confirmed, which means the NCAA's investigation has uncovered evidence of possible rule-breaking within the Michigan football program.
Word first broke of the NCAA's investigation into potential in-person scouting of opponents by Michigan on Oct. 19.
In the two-and-a-half weeks since, additional reporting has uncovered a network of up to 65 associates that worked for Michigan recruiting analyst Connor Stalions, who resigned on Friday.
The Big Ten has now informed Michigan it intends to punish the program under the conference's sportsmanship policy. Commissioner Tony Petitti can discipline the school under two tracks. From Yahoo:
According to the policy, the commissioner can take disciplinary action that is considered “standard” or “major.” Standard action includes a fine not exceeding $10,000 and a suspension of no more than two contests. Major action is anything exceeding those penalties and is subject to approval from the Big Ten executive board of presidents.Any school targeted for a violation of the sportsmanship policy is permitted a “reasonable timeframe” set by the commissioner to file a response with the league. The conference is believed to have given Michigan a deadline of mid-week to file a response before action is taken.
Michigan president Santa Ono lobbied against punishing Harbaugh before the conclusion of the NCAA investigation. As laid out previously by FootballScoop, Michigan is trying to kick the can down the road while its 3rd-ranked team pursues a long-awaited national championship before the window closes.
According to Yahoo, the NCAA has not uncovered evidence specifically tying Harbaugh to the Stalions operation.
However, left unaddressed was how Stalions acquired the funds to purchase tickets (sometimes multiple) to some of the biggest games in college football.
Michigan announced Monday that AD Warde Manuel will not travel for College Football Playoff deliberations this week as Michigan prepares a response to the Big Ten's notice.
Michigan has indicated it would sue the Big Ten if it implements a suspension of Harbaugh before the conclusion of the season.
A resolution could play out as soon as Wednesday.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.