Michigan football sign-stealing scandal: Updates as Jim Harbaugh accepts Big Ten suspension amid investigation

The latest developments surrounding the Wolverines with staffer Connor Stalions at the center of the probe

Michigan and coach Jim Harbaugh have accepted the Big Ten's three-game suspension for violating the conference's sportsmanship policy. In return, the Big Ten has agreed to cease its investigation into allegations of illegal sign stealing through the use of advanced scouting and technology, even as the NCAA continues its own investigation. 

Though Harbaugh will miss remaining regular-season games against Maryland and Ohio State, he is allowed to attend team practices and other activities outside of football game days.

"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 league office said in a statement. "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."

The NCAA's investigation centers around former staffer Connor Stalions, who allegedly bought tickets for more than 30 games -- many of them within the Big Ten -- and used "illegal technology" to steal signs. Stalions resigned from Michigan's staff on Nov. 3 after previously being suspended with pay pending the outcome of the NCAA's investigation. Harbaugh, who has already been entangled with the NCAA, has denied knowledge of the operation. 

CBS Sports will be here to update this story with the latest developments from the Michigan sign-stealing scandal as they become available. 

[Nov 18, 2023 at 10:59 am ET · Dean Straka]

Michigan star WR dons 'Free Harbaugh' shirt 

Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson was seen wearing a "Free Harbaugh" shirt during pregame warmups Saturday as the Wolverines prepare to face Maryland, which marks the second leg of coach Jim Harbaugh's three-game suspension levied by the Big Ten. Wilson's attire comes after many players were seen wearing "Michigan vs. Everybody" shirts last week at Penn State, which were also seen again on Saturday. Expect Harbaugh's players to continue being expressive about the situation in Ann Arbor for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.

[Nov 17, 2023 at 1:53 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Michigan booster had role in sign-stealing operation 

A Michigan booster -- referenced as "Uncle T" in the NCAA's ongoing probe -- helped fund the sign-stealing scheme spearheaded by ex-Wolverines staffer Connor Stalions, according to Yahoo Sports. The booster reportedly paid Stalions thousands of dollars to cover expenses for the operation in which Stalions purchased upwards of 30 tickets to games involving Michigan's Big Ten opponents and potential postseason opponents with the intent of filming and de-coding play-call signs. Stalions, who resigned earlier in the month after refusing to cooperate with NCAA investigators, was reported as earning a salary around $55,000 while on staff as an analyst. 

Michigan booster pinpointed in NCAA investigation as funding alleged sign-stealing operation, per report

Dean Straka

[Nov 17, 2023 at 12:35 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Biff Poggi extends invitation to Harbaugh 

With Jim Harbaugh now confirmed to serve the entirety of his three-game suspension from the Big Ten, first-year Charlotte coach and former Wolverines assistant Biff Poggi has invited the suspended Michigan coach to join him for the final two weeks of the regular season as a guest on the sidelines. It's not the first time that Poggi has vocally supported his former boss amid the sign-stealing saga in Ann Arbor, though this pitch feels like a bit of a long-shot. Harbaugh is still permitted to coach the Wolverines mid-week, and he'll even travel to Maryland despite not coaching in the game itself Saturday. 

[Nov 17, 2023 at 12:28 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Michigan fires LB coach Chris Partridge 

Michigan has fired linebackers coach Chris Partridge effective immediately, the school announced on Friday. Defensive analyst Rick Minter will step into an on-field role and serve as the team's linebackers coach moving forward. The school released a statement suggesting that Partridge's dismissal is tied to information obtained by the NCAA in its sign-stealing investigation that led to the three-game suspension of coach Jim Harbaugh.

"From the outset, our focus has been on seeking due process and allowing the NCAA to conduct a fair and deliberate investigation," the statement read. "Although the Big Ten has closed its investigation, we are continuing to cooperate with the NCAA as it moves forward with its ongoing investigation. Consistent with our commitment to integrity, we will continue to take the appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures, based on information we obtain. Earlier today, Michigan Athletics relieved Chris Partridge of his duties as a member of the Michigan Football staff. Due to employee privacy laws, we are unable to comment further."

Michigan fires LB coach Chris Partridge one day after school accepts Jim Harbaugh's three-game suspension

Barrett Sallee

[Nov 17, 2023 at 11:03 am ET · Will Backus]

Harbaugh will travel to Maryland

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh will travel with his team to Maryland, according to ESPN. He will address the team and help with pre-game. ESPN notes that he did the same thing before last week's win against Penn State. This comes after Michigan and the Big Ten announced Thursday that they decided to resolve their disagreement over Harbaugh's three-game suspension. As part of the resolution, Harbaugh accepted his suspension and thus cannot coach in-game for the remainder of the regular season. He is still allowed to run practices and other football related activities during the week. 

[Nov 16, 2023 at 3:39 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Michigan, Harbaugh accept Big Ten's three-game penalty

About 24 hours before Michigan and the Big Ten were set to meet in court to review the conference's three-game suspension of Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, all parties have decided to resolve their disagreement and move forward. Key to the resolution is Harbaugh accepting his suspension, which will keep him off the sideline through the remainder of the regular season.

Michigan remains under investigation by the NCAA for allegedly stealing signs in an illegal fashion through the use of advanced scouting and technology. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti acted to suspend Harbaugh last week as the NCAA's investigation continues amid reported pressure from conference members. 

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan accept three-game suspension from Big Ten; league ends its sign-stealing investigation

Dean Straka

[Nov 15, 2023 at 4:02 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Stalions didn't file any expense reports while at Michigan 

A new report from the AP revealed that ex-Michigan analyst Connor Stalions did not file any expense reports while he was employed. The Freedom of Information Act requested by the AP revealed no responsive records of any expense reports filed during his 17-month stint in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Stalions purchased tickets to more than 30 games around the country, sometimes hiring others to record opposing sideline signals.

[Nov 13, 2023 at 7:30 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Michigan basketball shows support for football program

Prior to Michigan's basketball game against St. John's at Madison Square Garden Monday, players wore shirts that read "Michigan vs. Everybody." Multiple Michigan football players wore clothing with the same message prior to its Week 11 game against Penn State last weekend -- its first without suspended coach Jim Harbaugh. 

[Nov 13, 2023 at 3:20 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Harbaugh calls Michigan 'America's team'  

Jim Harbaugh spoke with reporters Monday for the first time since the Big Ten handed down his suspension, and the Wolverines coach wasn't short on talking points. Harbaugh confirmed he will attend Friday's hearing for the request of a restraining order against the conference and also claimed that he found out about the suspension on social media before receiving direct communication from the Big Ten office, that after the team landed in State College, Pennsylvania, for its Week 11 win at Penn State. Harbaugh also raised some eyebrows by calling the Wolverines' "America's team," a claimed he justified through the perceived adversity Michigan has dealt with amid a perfect 10-0 start. 

Jim Harbaugh praises Michigan amid suspension for sign-stealing scandal: 'That's got to be America's team'

Dean Straka

[Nov 11, 2023 at 10:40 am ET · Will Backus]

Michigan legal action not heard before Penn State kickoff

There will be no ruling on the University of Michigan and coach Jim Harbaugh's request for a temporary restraining order halting the three-game suspension handed down by the Big Ten on Friday, according to 247Sports. That means Harbaugh, who traveled with the Wolverines to State College, Pennsylvania, will not be able to coach No. 3 Michigan in a key Big Ten East clash against No. 10 Penn State.

Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore will step in as acting coach just as he did earlier this season when Harbaugh served a three-game suspension to start the 2023 campaign.

An in-person hearing scheduled for Nov. 17 prior to Michigan's game at Maryland on Nov. 18, according to multiple reports.

Jim Harbaugh suspension: Michigan legal action not heard before Penn State kickoff; Sherrone Moore will coach

Will Backus

[Nov 10, 2023 at 5:12 pm ET · Dean Straka]

NCAA responds to sharing info with Big Ten

It wasn't until after the NCAA shared the findings of its ongoing probe into Michigan's alleged sign-stealing scheme with the Big Ten that the conference ultimately moved to issue a suspension of Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh. The NCAA issued a statement Friday, obtained by Yahoo Sports, in which it clarified why it shared information from an active investigation, noting that it was done with Michigan's consent. 

"The NCAA takes competition integrity seriously, and when the Association has reason to raise time-sensitive issues with schools and leagues concerning competitive integrity, it has and will continue to do so," the statement read. "The NCAA received consent from the school before sharing the information referenced in the document. NCAA investigative and infractions processes will continue in this matter." 

[Nov 10, 2023 at 4:30 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Michigan to seek court order

Michigan has issued a response to the three-game suspension handed down by the Big Ten, and it is a big one. The school intends to file a court order in the hopes that Harbaugh can remain on the sidelines during games until the case moves through the legal system.

"Like all members of the Big Ten Conference, we are entitled to a fair, deliberate, and thoughtful process to determine the full set of facts before a judgment is rendered. Today's action by Commissioner Tony Petitti disregards the Conference's own handbook, violates basic tenets of due process, and sets an untenable precedent of assessing penalties before an investigation has been completed. We are dismayed at the Commissioner's rush to judgment when there is an ongoing NCAA investigation - one in which we are fully cooperating.

"Commissioner Petitti's hasty action today suggests that this is more about reacting to pressure from other Conference members than a desire to apply the rules fairly and impartially. By taking this action at this hour, the Commissioner is personally inserting himself onto the sidelines and altering the level playing field that he is claiming to preserve. And, doing so on Veteran's Day -- a court holiday -- to try to thwart the University from seeking immediate judicial relief is hardly a profile in impartiality. To ensure fairness in the process, we intend to seek a court order, together with Coach Harbaugh, preventing this disciplinary action from taking effect."

As they say ... 'billable hours are undefeated'.

[Nov 10, 2023 at 4:01 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Big Ten suspends Harbaugh for rest of 2023 season

The Big Ten has suspended Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh from the field for the final three games of the 2023 season amid an ongoing NCAA investigation into an alleged sign-stealing operation orchestrated by former staffer Connor Stalions. The punitive measure from commissioner Tony Petitti falls under the conference's sportsmanship policy, which is not restricted by the same lengthy protocols and red tape that will likely carry the NCAA's investigation well into next year. 

"The University of Michigan has been found in violation of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy for conducting an impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years, resulting in an unfair competitive advantage that compromised the integrity of competition," the conference wrote in a statement.

Michigan and/or Jim Harbaugh have planned legal action seeking a stay on the Big Ten's suspension, sources tell CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd. Such action should come swiftly.

Jim Harbaugh suspended by Big Ten: Michigan coach banned from final three games of 2023 regular season

Shehan Jeyarajah

[Nov 10, 2023 at 2:22 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Charlotte coach, ex-Michigan assistant Biff Poggi chimes in

First-year Charlotte coach Biff Poggi, who spent the past several years on staff under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, came to defense of his former boss Friday. Poggi claimed he was unaware of any advanced scouting during his time in Ann Arbor and said that if he knew of such wrongdoing, Harbaugh would have too given how close of a relationship the two shared. It's worth noting that lack of knowledge or direct involvement does not necessarily clear Harbaugh from potential NCAA punishment if the association finds the Wolverines in the wrong. But for the meantime, Poggi did not hold back one bit. 

[Nov 10, 2023 at 9:45 am ET · Will Backus]

Harbaugh traveling to Penn State as potential suspension looms

Jim Harbaugh will travel with the team to Penn State "one way or another," his attorney Tom Mars told ESPN. This comes as a potential suspension looms for the Michigan coach as a result of the Big Ten's investigation into an alleged sign-stealing scheme. Michigan and the Big Ten have been engaged in a war of words this week. The conference submitted an official notice of disciplinary action Monday. Michigan filed an official 10-page response two days later, contending that discipline from the Big Ten would constitute a "breach" of the conference's handbook and that any specific punishment directed Harbaugh "would exceed the commissioner's authority under the Sportsmanship Policy." 

[Nov 9, 2023 at 1:31 pm ET · Will Backus]

Penn State assistant Manny Diaz pokes fun at Michigan 

Manny Diaz, the defensive coordinator for No. 10 Penn State, found a creative way to stoke the flames of this Saturday's key Big Ten East clash against No. 3 Michigan. The Nittany Lions posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) imploring fans to show up early and get loud. Diaz made his appeal by first signing things out. 

He first tapped his wrist to signify filling the stadium out early, then put a hand to his ear for crowd noise and finally made a "three" gesture with his hand for third down. This, of course, comes as the NCAA is investigating Michigan for an alleged sign-stealing scheme. 

"Those are the signals for 'get there early,' 'be loud,' 'especially on third down,'" Diaz said.

WATCH: Penn State defensive coordinator pokes fun at Michigan sign-stealing scandal ahead of Week 11 game

Will Backus

[Nov 9, 2023 at 11:25 am ET · Will Backus]

Day, Schiano deny sharing Michigan's signals with Purdue in 2022

The branches of Michigan's sign-stealing scandal have now reached the point to where other Big Ten coaches are denying similar accusations made by the Wolverines. Ohio State and Rutgers, according to evidence submitted by Michigan to the Big Ten this week, allegedly shared the Wolverines' signs and signals with Purdue ahead of the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game. Such allegations were understandably met with firm denials from Buckeyes coach Ryan Day and Scarlet Knights boss Greg Schiano during midweek media availability. 

"Nobody here did any of that," Day said. "We went through and made sure we asked all the questions and got our compliance people involved. None of that came back at all. I can answer very strongly that that did not happen." 

Ryan Day, Greg Schiano deny sharing Michigan's signals with Purdue in 2022 as sign-stealing scandal broadens

Will Backus

[Nov 8, 2023 at 8:46 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Harbaugh's attorney issues letter to Big Ten 

On top of Michigan's response to the Big Ten, the conference also received a letter Wednesday from Tom Mars, the attorney representing Jim Harbaugh, arguing why the Big Ten can't specifically discipline the Wolverines coach. Mars' letter, obtained by Yahoo Sports, argued both a lack of evidence of and a lack of due process while aligning with Michigan's stance that punishing Harbaugh would exceed the commissioner's authority within the scope of the Big Ten's sportsmanship policy. 

Harbaugh has maintained that he never had knowledge of illegal sign-stealing by his staff. While that may have weight concerning the Big Ten's course of action, it would not necessarily clear Harbaugh from NCAA discipline if Michigan is found to be in the wrong by the association. A language change to an NCAA bylaw in January specifies that coaches "shall be held responsible" for the actions of all institutional staff members, so the extent of Harbaugh's involvement in any violations would be a moot point.

Michigan challenges Big Ten's authority to potentially punish Jim Harbaugh for sign-stealing scandal

Dean Straka

[Nov 8, 2023 at 5:58 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Michigan says Big Ten would lack authority to punish Harbaugh 

Michigan has issued a response to the Big Ten's notification of potential disciplinary action amid the NCAA's ongoing probe into allegations of illegal sign-stealing. The 10-page letter, obtained by Yahoo Sports, contends that discipline from the Big Ten would constitute a "breach" of the conference's handbook and that any specific punishment directed at coach Jim Harbaugh "would exceed the commissioner's authority under the Sportsmanship Policy." 

The letter also includes documents and pictures of Michigan's signs that were allegedly stolen and shared by other Big Ten schools as part of its rebuttal against potential penalties levied by the conference. Disciplinary action, the letter states, would be disproportionate given this evidence. 

Michigan challenges Big Ten's authority to potentially punish Jim Harbaugh for sign-stealing scandal

Dean Straka

[Nov 8, 2023 at 6:06 pm ET · Dennis Dodd]

Technology could end sign stealing for good

Rob Neumann wonders what could have been. The offensive coordinator at Rochester Community and Technical College had just helped lead the Yellowjackets to the 2015 National Junior College Athletic Association championship game. Neumann and the staff were ready to take a futuristic next step. 

The program based in Rochester, Minnesota, had signed up to use GoRout technology. The fledgling company promised a new wrinkle in transferring plays calls from the sideline. Forget signs, forget helmet communications. Heck, forget those play calls in the conventional sense. The Yellowjackets were going to wear wrist bands that would electronically transmit the next play from the sidelines.

Read more below. 

Experts agree ending college football sign stealing is just a click away, so what's taking so long?

Dennis Dodd

[Nov 8, 2023 at 4:58 pm ET · Dean Straka]

State lawmakers come to Michigan's defense

Michigan state lawmakers have entered the picture as the Big Ten contemplates disciplinary action against Michigan. Eleven legislators penned a letter Wednesday to conference commissioner Tony Petitti, urging him to let due process play out before any potential penalties are levied against the Wolverines. It has been reported that coaches and administrators at other Big Ten institutions have recently urged Petitti to take action against Michigan, although the NCAA's investigation into allegations of illegal sign-stealing by the Wolverines is ongoing. 

"As members of the Michigan legislature, we write to you today to urge you to act prudently and refrain from taking premature measures against one of our state universities, including their athletic program, football team or coaching staff," the letter states. "These individuals are our constituents, and we feel the need to ensure they are treated fairly." 

Michigan lawmakers urge Big Ten from taking 'premature measures' against Wolverines amid sign-stealing scandal

Dean Straka

[Nov 8, 2023 at 4:53 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Michigan submits response 

As expected, Michigan issued a formal response Wednesday afternoon to the Big Ten's notice of potential disciplinary action against the Wolverines, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. That leaves the ball in Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti's court when it comes to potential action against Michigan regarding allegations of illegal sign-stealing. It's not clear when the final verdict from Petitti and the conference may come if Michigan is indeed found to have violated the conference's sportsmanship policy. 

[Nov 8, 2023 at 9:17 am ET · David Cobb]

Michigan's response

Michigan is expected to submit a response to the Big Ten on Wednesday as the league weighs potential punishments for the Wolverines, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. But the league isn't expected to make a ruling just yet. Reminder as it pertains to possible coaching suspensions: Michigan's on-field aspirations hang in the balance over the next three weeks. It travels to No. 10 Penn State on Saturday and then plays at Maryland before closing the season with an all-important rivalry showdown against No. 1 Ohio State.

[Nov 7, 2023 at 10:29 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Blake Corum denies being connected to Stalions' LLC

Michigan star running back Blake Corum denied any business dealings with former Wolverines analyst Connor Stalions Tuesday. Earlier in the day Wyoming state documents were discovered listing Corum, Stalions and Connor O'Dea as co-organizers of a "BC2 Housing LLC." 

"I know exactly what you're talking about," Corum told reporters.  "My first time hearing it was when I went out to practice. First of all, I have no businesses with him. I don't have any business with Connor or anything like that. But I'm glad whoever found it, whoever was searching the web was able to find that. I appreciate you. My attorneys are on it. We'll definitely get that figured out right away and give my name taken off or whatever it is." 

Michigan RB Blake Corum denies any business link to ex-analyst Connor Stalions: 'My attorneys are on it'

Cameron Salerno

[Nov 7, 2023 at 5:59 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Michigan says Ohio State, Rutgers shared Wolverines signs with Purdue

Michigan has submitted evidence to the Big Ten alleging that Ohio State, Rutgers and Purdue shared information about the Wolverines' signals ahead of the Big Ten Championship Game in 2022, ESPN reports. The information comes as the Wolverines make their case to avoid punishment in an alleged wide-ranging sign-stealing ring. 

According to the allegation, Ohio State shared offensive signals and Rutgers shared defensive signals ahead of Michigan's 45-23 victory over Purdue to win its second consecutive Big Ten championship. Documents were revealed earlier on Tuesday in Sports Illustrated that appeared to reveal sheets that identified Michigan signals with corresponding plays. 

Michigan alleges Ohio State, Rutgers shared Wolverines' signals with Purdue in 2022, per reports

Shehan Jeyarajah

[Nov 7, 2023 at 12:24 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Documents show other Big Ten teams decoded Michigan's signs

Michigan is planning to present evidence to Big Ten officials that show other Big Ten programs decoded the Wolverines signals and distributed them to a future opponents, according to Sports Illustrated. The documents that were partially redacted showed how Michigan opponents decoded signals and matched them with run or pass plays the team was planning on running. This news comes one day after the AP reported that a former Big Ten employee stole signs and helped compile a spreadsheet of those signs to use against the Wolverines.

[Nov 6, 2023 at 5:15 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Final verdict on the horizon for Michigan? 

Clarity could soon come regarding allegations of illegal sign stealing by the Michigan football program as the university confirmed to ESPN on Monday that the Big Ten has issued a formal notice of potential disciplinary action against the Wolverines. According to Yahoo Sports, the NCAA has revealed its investigation findings to the Big Ten and among the disciplinary action the league has considered is a multi-game suspension for coach Jim Harbaugh. Yahoo reports that the NCAA has not found evidence of Harbaugh being directly involved with alleged advanced scouting. 

Big Ten sends Michigan notice of potential discipline as league mulls Jim Harbaugh suspension

Dean Straka

[Nov 6, 2023 at 4:30 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Big Ten team had Michigan's signs, ex-staffer says

A new wrinkle to the ongoing investigation into the Michigan sign-stealing scandal reveals a former employee at a Big Ten program stole signs and helped compile a spreadsheet of those signs to use against the Wolverines. The anonymous source told the AP they shared documents showing Michigan's signs and corresponding plays with staffers at other Big Ten programs. The former Big Ten staffer added that Harbaugh and his coaches have been unfairly blamed for the actions of former analyst Connor Stalions, who is at the center of the NCAA investigation and resigned from his post last week. 

[Nov 6, 2023 at 4:22 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Michigan AD Warde Manuel not attending CFP Selection Committee meetings

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel released a statement on Monday announcing that he will not be attending this week's College Football Playoff Selection Committee meetings in Texas.

"I want to provide an update regarding my participation with the College Football Playoff Committee this week," the statement read. "I will not be traveling to our weekly meeting in Dallas but will instead stay in Ann Arbor, attending to important matters regarding the ongoing investigation into our football program. I look forward to being back in the room with my fellow committee members next week and every week through the end of this season."

Manuel was named to the selection committee prior to the 2022 regular season. His term is slated to expire after this season. 

[Nov 6, 2023 at 1:09 pm ET · Will Backus]

NCAA joins Central Michigan's investigation 

The NCAA has joined Central Michigan's investigation into allegations that former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions was on CMU's sideline for its season opener on the road against Michigan State, according to ESPN. Photos emerged on social media in November showing a man who resembles Stalions standing on Central Michigan's sideline in team gear. 

"Central Michigan continues its review of the matter in cooperation with the NCAA," Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan said in a statement. "As this is an ongoing NCAA enforcement matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time."

Central Michigan investigating photos allegedly showing Michigan staffer Connor Stalions on sideline in opener

Shehan Jeyarajah