In a shocking development, a former employee at a Big Ten football program has come forward with claims that could implicate multiple conference teams and coaches in actions that may have violated the conference's sportsmanship policy. The revelations suggest a possible sign stealing conspiracy against the University of Michigan's football program.

Larry Lage, an esteemed reporter from The Associated Press, released a sizable scoop on Monday afternoon, detailing the allegations made by the former employee. According to Lage's report, the disgruntled ex-staffer asserted that it was his assigned task to steal signs, and he had received details from various Big Ten schools to compile an extensive spreadsheet of Michigan's play-calling signals from last year.

The report further states that this individual shared these damning documents, which contained Michigan's signs and corresponding plays, as well as text-message screenshots of conversations with other staff members at Big Ten schools. The former employee claimed that the spreadsheet was compiled using information from a few coaches and programs across the conference.

Speaking to Lage, the informant explained that he provided these details to Michigan last week because he believed that head coach Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff were unfairly blamed for the actions of a rogue staffer within their ranks. The individual revealed that his intention was to assist the embattled Michigan program.

These latest allegations add another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation that began over two weeks ago when allegations of sign-stealing first emerged involving former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who resigned last Friday. While Stalions was initially in the spotlight, this recent revelation suggests the possibility of a wider web of illegal information gathering, with multiple programs allegedly conspiring against the Wolverines.

The implications are significant, as the alleged sign stealing not only undermines the integrity of fair play in college football but also casts doubt on the competitiveness and transparency within the Big Ten conference. The implicated teams and coaches may face severe consequences if found guilty of violating the conference's sportsmanship policy.

As the investigation unfolds, the Michigan football program and Coach Harbaugh's reputation hang in the balance. While more details are yet to emerge, these revelations shake the foundation of fair play and raise questions about the sportsmanship of some Big Ten teams. The repercussions of this sign-stealing plot could have far-reaching consequences for the reputation and future of college football in the conference.