Report: Multiple Big Ten Coaches Urge Disciplinary Action Against Michigan Wolverines In Conference Call
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, multiple Big Ten coaches expressed their frustrations with the ongoing signal-stealing investigation at Michigan in a video call with commissioner Tony Petitti on Wednesday.
Per Thamel, the 90-minute call included nearly an hour-long segment without Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who hung up after the regularly scheduled Big Ten business to allow the conference's coaches to speak freely about the NCAA's investigation into Michigan. Several coaches began venting their feelings on the recent information being conveyed surrounding the program.
On Tuesday evening, Michigan appeared at No. 3 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. Ohio State took the No. 1 spot, while Georgia and Florida State rounded out the top four at No. 2 and No. 4, respectively.
The NCAA has been investigating Michigan for nearly two weeks after the Big Ten confirmed the NCAA's sign-stealing investigation on Oct. 19. Since then, more information has continued to unravel surrounding Connor Stalions, a Michigan staff member who reportedly purchased tickets to a dozen Big Ten opponents matchups against the Wolverines dating back ton 2021.
The Wolverines have won back-to-back Big Ten titles and represented the conference in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State represented the Big Ten last season after losing to Michigan at Ohio Stadium 45-23.
Per Thamel, the coaches in the Big Ten laid out to Petitti, who was hired in April in place of Kevin Warren, how precise of a schematic advantage Michigan has held since the sign-stealing back in 2021. Stalions, who has been suspended by the program since the start of the investigation, reportedly purchased tickets to more than 35 games in at least 17 stadiums over the last three years.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh walks onto the field before the game against Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
© Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Since the sign-stealing reportedly began, Michigan has posted a 33-3 overall record and 22-1 record in Big Ten play. In the prior three years, they were 21-11 overall and 16-8 in league play, including losses in all three matchups against Ohio State.
According to the Big Ten bylaws, the conference has authority under its Sportsmanship Policy to punish Michigan or members of the coaching staff, though it's not expected to be carried out due to the NCAA's involvement. The league could, however, initiate its own investigation into potential violations of the Big Ten's sportsmanship policy.
As it pertains to future College Football Playoff rankings, CFP selection committee chair Boo Corrigan said Tuesday the committee doesn’t feel it’s their job to address the Wolverine sign-stealing scandal and that it does not play a factor in the committee's decision.
“Our job as we look at it is to rank the teams and to follow our protocols,” Corrigan said. “As we went through it, that wasn’t part of any of the discussions that occurred during our time together.”
When asked about the sign-stealing situation, Corrigan reiterated the committee's focus was to produce a ranking of the top 25 teams after nine weeks in 2023, an exercise he and the selection team believed needed to include the Wolverines.
“We really view it as an NCAA issue, not a CFP issue," At this point in time, as we’re looking at this, we want to make sure we get — not just the top four teams but the top 25 teams, right?”
