Report: Big Ten Coaches Want Michigan Punished Immediately for Sign-Stealing

Coaches around the Big Ten are putting pressure on conference commissioner Tony Petitti to punish Michigan in the wake of the investigation into the school for potential sign-stealing, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

On a 90-minute league-wide conference call on Wednesday, a “vast majority” of coaches in the Big Ten voiced their frustrations with the investigation. Harbaugh was present on the call for 60 of the 90 minutes, according to Thamel. The Michigan coach eventually left the call so that rival coaches in the league could discuss the ongoing investigation into the school.

Specifically, a source told Thamel, “Collectively, the coaches want the Big Ten to act right now. What are we waiting on? We know what happened?”

Additionally, Thamel noted that Michigan could technically be disciplined for violating the Big Ten’s Sportsmanship Policy while the NCAA investigation continues. But sources indicated to Thamel that Petitti didn’t tip his hand one way or another on potential discipline or timing of any sanctions levied against the school.

Michigan has been under investigation by the NCAA since mid-October for in-person scouting and video recording opposing teams’ signals, both of which are violations of NCAA rules.

Connor Stalions, a Michigan staffer, emerged at the center of the investigation. Stalions reportedly purchased tickets to more than 35 games in 17 stadiums over the course of the last three seasons. He has been suspended with pay by Michigan while the investigation is ongoing.

The Wolverines are in the midst of another great season on the field in Ann Arbor, where the team is 8–0 on the season and 5–0 in the Big Ten. Michigan debuted at No. 3 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings that were released earlier this week.