The University of Michigan's football program could receive a Notice of Charges as early as this week as a result of an NCAA-led investigation that could also result in an attempt to ban the Wolverines from postseason play for up to two years, according to TheWolverine.com.
The pending NOA is related to the sign-stealing allegations and the resulting investigation into the program that began late last season and centers around allegations that former football staff member Connor Stallions engaged in improper scouting activities.
The NCAA may report that Michigan could be banned for one or two years from the postseason, but the school is willing to accept the fine but will likely contest it.
There is some sentiment within the NCAA that the university “ignored” the agency during the investigation and that the NCAA is trying to make an example of Michigan.
Despite the scandal, Michigan finished the season undefeated and won the national title.
But the NCAA is not expected to strip Michigan of its victory or its 2023 national championship rights.
Stallions faces a Level I violation for allegedly arranging off-campus and in-person scouting activities. Stallions is accused of purchasing tickets to games of future University of Michigan football opponents and sending staff members to record play signals.
While tapping on an opponent's football signals isn't prohibited per se, the NCAA does prohibit schools from directly scouting opponents ahead of time.
Stallions also faces charges of failing to cooperate with the investigation both during and after his term in office. He resigned from his position in November.
Currently, no members of the University of Michigan football staff are suspected of any NCAA violations.
The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season before the NCAA began its investigation, but Michigan won those games under then-interim coach Sherone Moore, who was promoted to head coach after Harbaugh's departure in the offseason.
When will a verdict be handed down? The report says Michigan isn't expected to take its case to the NCAA Committee on Infractions until the middle of next year, and it will likely be several years before the case is fully resolved.
(TheWolverine.com)
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