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Michigan response to Big Ten: Report offers insight into U-M case
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Michigan formally responded to the Big Ten on Wednesday regarding any pending discipline. Yahoo Sports is offering some insight into Michigan’s message to the conference.
Dan Wetzel shared some of Michigan’s broader points on X, formerly Twitter. Per Wetzel, Michigan challenges the idea of sportsmanship violations on multiple fronts.
U-M argues that an unadjudicated matter should not be the basis for action. The university also takes the stance that B1G Commissioner Tony Petitti lacks the authority to punish coach Jim Harbaugh. Earlier Wednesday, ESPN’s Heather Dinich relayed that Petitti can go beyond a 2-game suspension with permission from the conference’s executive board.
Michigan also argues that disciplinary action would be “highly disproportionate” considering broader regulatory context. In recent days, it has come to light that other teams shared Michigan’s signals. Wetzel implies U-M argues that opposing teams are de facto in-person scouts. The allegations against Michigan focus on the fact that while there are no NCAA rules against sign-stealing, in-person scouting of future opponents is not allowed.
Michigan also argues that the B1G is acting prematurely, with the NCAA investigation not completed. U-M is also arguing that the B1G lacks evidence from its own investigation.
Yahoo Sports reporting with @RossDellenger.
Among the broad points.
1. Unadjudicated rule violations cannot be the basis for a sportsmanship action.
2. Commissioner Tony Petitti lacks authority to punish Harbaugh under the league’s Sportsmanship policy.
3. Disciplinary action…
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) November 8, 2023
One point Michigan makes in its letter: The Big Ten is acting prematurely here. The NCAA has not yet been able to provide significant evidence, according to Michigan, and the Big Ten is relying on “summaries and descriptions of evidence.”
Michigan argues that the Big Ten’s…
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) November 8, 2023
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.