The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday that it has closed its investigation into the University of Michigan after its findings of prohibited in-person scouting.
The Big Ten opened its investigation in October after it was notified by the NCAA of alleged sign stealing. Michigan has since fired staff member Connor Stalions, who purchased tickets to at least 30 games over the past two seasons including the 2021 and 2022 Southeastern Conference championship games, after the announcements of the investigations.
“The Big Ten Conference’s commitment to student-athletes, sportsmanship and the Commissioner’s duty to protect the integrity of competition will never waver,” the Big Ten stated in a release. “Today’s decision by the University of Michigan to withdraw its legal challenge against the Conference’s November 10th Notice of Disciplinary Action is indicative of the high standards and values that the Conference and the University seek to uphold. The University of Michigan is a valued member of the Big Ten Conference and the Conference will continue to work cooperatively with the University and the NCAA during this process.”
PODCAST: Week 12 could shape up conference championship game match-ups
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Michigan has accepted its discipline that head coach Jim Harbaugh will not be allowed to coach on the sidelines for the remainder of the regular season.
Harbaugh was suspended the first three games of the season after alleged Level II NCAA violations that Harbaugh and his staff met with recruits during a “so-called dead period,” and for providing false statements to investigators.
“This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh, and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation,” the Michigan release stated via Thamel. “The Conference agreed to close its investigation, and the University and Coach Harbaugh agreed to accept the three-game suspension. Coach Harbaugh, with the University’s support, decided to accept this sanction to return the focus to our student-athletes and their performance on the field.”
READ: Big Board: Week 12
Michigan will close out the regular season at Maryland before hosting No. 2 Ohio State on Nov. 25.
