Michigan is now engaged in a protracted legal battle with the NCAA over allegations tied to a sophisticated sign-stealing operation orchestrated by Connor Stalions, a low-level assistant coach. In a comprehensive 137-page rebuttal provided earlier this month, the university robustly disputes the alleged violations laid out by the NCAA while accusing the organization of "grossly overreaching" and delivering exaggerated charges against the football program without substantial proof that other staff members were complicit in Stalions’ unlawful scouting activities.

The university emphasizes its unwillingness to reach a negotiated settlement with the NCAA. Instead, it fiercely defends the actions of former head coach Jim Harbaugh, current head coach Sherrone Moore, and several staff members. Michigan claims that the sign-stealing strategy carried "minimal relevance to competition" and was inadequately substantiated by NCAA investigators, categorizing it as a relatively minor infraction rather than a severe violation.

While the NCAA acknowledged receipt of Michigan's detailed response, it refrained from providing additional comments or confirming specifics of the document that Yahoo Sports acquired. Michigan has also opted against comment due to the ongoing investigation, a stance echoed by a Big Ten official.

Michigan’s documentation argues that the notice of allegations—issued in August—contains "numerous factually unsupported infractions," overstates aggravating factors, and overlooks extenuating circumstances. The university urges the NCAA to apply “common sense and a commitment to fairness,” recommending that the situation be classified as a “Level II standard case” instead of a serious Level I infraction.

Among the 11 allegations, six were classified as Level I infractions, which Michigan argues lack merit or credible evidence. This includes specific claims against Harbaugh and Moore, who deleted text messages exchanged with Stalions.

One surprising revelation from Michigan's response addresses a long-speculated question: the identity of the individual who tipped off the NCAA regarding Stalions' activities. The university claims that the informant originated from its own campus, expressing concerns that the Ohio-based NCAA may have utilized this insider information to bolster some charges included in the allegations.

Though Michigan acknowledges the need for confidentiality concerning whistleblowers, it asserts that all infractions and supporting evidence should trace back to identifiable sources willing to step forward, thereby enhancing the investigation's integrity.

This case is poised to advance to the Division I Committee on Infractions, an independent body responsible for adjudicating such disputes. Michigan has requested a “pre-hearing conference” to clarify the details surrounding the whistleblower and their significance in the context of the allegations against the university.

A hearing is anticipated in the coming weeks as the conflict deepens, reminiscent of Tennessee’s recent struggles with the NCAA over recruitment violations in 2023. Unlike Tennessee, which avoided a postseason ban but faced financial penalties, Michigan faces a complex web of accusations.

The NCAA's notice did not specify potential sanctions against Michigan. However, it stated that the university "failed to monitor" its football program considering the extensive nature of Stalions’ scheme. Distressingly, Michigan and certain coaches are labeled repeat offenders, a categorization the school disputes.

Michigan concedes that certain unauthorized in-person scouting activities likely took place, albeit to a lesser extent than what the NCAA alleges. The institution claims all issues will be addressed during hearings, noting that they will inform the Committee on Infractions regarding self-imposed penalties.

The university asserts that the actual evidence contradicts the NCAA’s sensational portrayal of the events leading to the allegations.

Of the 11 allegations lodged against Michigan, the most significant revolves around Sherrone Moore's deletion of 52 text messages with Stalions on the very day that news of the NCAA’s investigation was revealed by Yahoo Sports. Although Moore and Michigan acknowledge the deletion, they maintain that the messages were “innocuous” and not relevant to the investigation, underscoring that Moore had fully complied with the inquiry when he presented his phone for examination.

Moore explained that he deleted the messages in a fit of anger, intending to prevent Stalions from receiving undue credit for the team's success. He insisted that his actions were born from frustration rather than an intent to conceal information.

The texts exchanged between Moore and Stalions depict the meticulous behind-the-scenes efforts aimed at decoding opponents’ signals, which Michigan argues remain within the established rules of competition. In August 2022, Stalions messaged Moore with details concerning a game against Colorado State, while in October, he discussed Michigan State’s defensive strategies.

One particularly telling text from Stalions in April 2023 mentioned a planned meeting with an assistant coach from Central Michigan—an event tied to the ongoing investigation.

The NCAA claims that Stalions scouted 52 games over three seasons, many of which were preparations for upcoming Michigan opponents. Michigan counterclaims that evidence shows Stalions attended only one game, and that minimal infractions occurred involving lower-level managers and the assistant coach's family.

Additionally, Michigan asserts numerous scouting allegations do not meet the criteria for an indirect scouting violation due to insufficient eyewitness accounts. Despite the NCAA including videos and photographs in its allegations, Michigan argues that most scouting was conducted legally through publicly available footage.

Michigan also disclosed that Stalions engaged in trading game signal plans with rival institutions, which is documented in various communications. This exchange served a strategic purpose and was a routine practice among programs.

The university maintained that Stalions’ contributions to coaching strategies existed even before his involvement, with players already using pre-snap calls not based on stolen signals. Furthermore, Michigan firmly rejects the assertion that there was a failure to monitor the football program regarding Stalions’ actions, citing that internal complaints were indeed raised.

Besides the allegations concerning Stalions, the NCAA's inquiry also highlighted supposed recruiting violations by various assistant coaches who are no longer with the program. Michigan acknowledges that certain tech exchanges occurred outside permitted timeframes but contests allegations around summer recruitment tryouts held in 2023.

Regarding Harbaugh, Michigan argues the NCAA’s claim against him lacks validity, insisting that misunderstandings erupted over the production of personal communication records amidst concerns about safeguarding sensitive information.

In response to additional allegations that Stalions obstructed the investigation, Michigan refutes several claims while acknowledging one specific instance of misconduct. The institution is prepared to address all concerns at the Committee on Infractions hearing, maintaining that their procedures align with NCAA regulations and expectations.