According to Matt Fortuna, Michigan will be facing a “record-setting fine” alongside other penalties on Friday from the NCAA. The Infractions Committee will be publicly announcing its findings of the sign-stealing scandal dating back to the 2023 season. While Fortuna did not have an exact number, he did provide the current record.
“Source: Expect a potential record-setting fine to be among the penalties the NCAA levies against Michigan on Friday for its alleged sign-stealing scheme,” Fortuna said via X. “For context: In 2023, Tennessee was fined $8 million, which is believed to be the largest ever in an NCAA infractions case.”
The violations from Tennessee stemmed from illegal recruiting for over 200 infractions. A big win for the program was avoiding a postseason ban. Michigan is likely hoping for the same, wanting to keep the possibility of competing in the College Football Playoff alive.
Overall, not many know exactly what is on the way. Fortuna is now reporting a massive fine will be handed out by the NCAA. Maybe eight digits could be reached — Friday will be when we find out.
Pete Thamel speculates on potential suspension for Michigan HC Sherrone Moore
Head coach Sherrone Moore is already facing a two-game suspension, a punishment imposed by Michigan. Moore will be on the sidelines for the New Mexico and Oklahoma to start the season but serve the suspension against Central Michigan and Nebraska the following weeks.
A Thursday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show allowed ESPN’s Pete Thamel to give his thoughts on what the NCAA Infractions Committee could come out with. He speculated on Moore potentially getting an even harsher suspension penalty due to his deleted exchange with Connor Stalions.
“The real news that’s going to come out of tomorrow is going to be regarding the suspension of Sherrone Moore,” Thamel said. ” … What we’re going to find out from the NCAA tomorrow is that accepted or if they’re going to add any additional suspensions. Remember, he obviously deleted a thread of 52 text messages (from Stalions) in this.”
For his part in the sign-stealing saga, Stalions — who was accused of orchestrating friends and colleagues to attend opponents’ games, scout them in-person, and potentially even try and steal signs — was forced to resign from Michigan and is now in the high school coaching ranks. Former Wolverines assistant coach Chris Partridge was later fired as well.
On3’s Alex Byington contributed to this report
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