ANN ARBOR, Mich. - A former employee at a Big Ten football program has come forward, revealing that he was responsible for stealing signs and compiling a spreadsheet of play-calling signals used by the Michigan Wolverines last year. The employee, who spoke with The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, shared the documents with Michigan recently, including screenshots of text-message exchanges with staffers at other Big Ten schools.

According to the whistleblower, the spreadsheet contained details obtained from a handful of coaches and programs across the Big Ten. The motive behind sharing the information with Michigan was to support the embattled program led by head coach Jim Harbaugh. The anonymous source believes that Harbaugh and his coaching staff are being unjustly blamed for the actions of a rogue staffer.

The alleged sign-stealing scheme potentially violates the Big Ten's sportsmanship policy, raising the possibility of disciplinary action by the commissioner's office against the schools involved. Michigan, already under investigation by the NCAA for an alleged impermissible scouting and sign-stealing scheme, confirmed on Monday that it had received notification of potential disciplinary action.

Michigan, currently ranked No. 2 nationally with an undefeated record of 9-0 (6-0 Big Ten), finds itself in the midst of controversy as it prepares for a crucial matchup against No. 9 Penn State this coming Saturday.

While sign-stealing itself is not explicitly prohibited by the NCAA, the allegations against Michigan suggest an organized and well-funded approach, violating rules against in-person scouting. Harbaugh has maintained his ignorance of the scheme, and the school asserts its cooperation with the NCAA's ongoing investigation.

Last week, the low-level staffer allegedly involved in the sign-stealing, Connor Stalions, resigned from his position after being suspended by Michigan. Stalions' attorney stated that his client did not want to further distract the team.

In response to the allegations, Michigan shared the documents provided by the former Big Ten football program staffer with the conference on Friday. School President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel held a meeting with Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti on the same day. The conference has given the school until early this week to respond to the allegations and evidence.

With the investigation pending, Manuel announced that he would not be attending the College Football Playoff committee meeting this week. He expressed his commitment to focusing on matters related to the ongoing football program investigation.

As the situation unfolds, Harbaugh's coaching career and the future of Michigan's football program hang in the balance. The NCAA investigation, along with potential disciplinary actions from the Big Ten, poses significant challenges for the team's pursuit of a third consecutive conference championship and the school's first national title in over two decades.

The news of a sign-stealing scandal has prompted discussions among Big Ten coaches and athletic directors about potential punishments, including a potential suspension of Harbaugh and other coaches. Meanwhile, Central Michigan, where Stalions was previously associated, is now also cooperating with the NCAA in their review of the situation.

As the college football community waits for further developments, Michigan and its supporters hope for a swift resolution to the investigation that will provide clarity on the extent of their involvement and the consequences they may face.

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