In response to the Big Ten Conference's investigation into sign-stealing allegations, the University of Michigan has filed a comprehensive response warning against premature and unwarranted disciplinary action. The response, sent to the Big Ten and addressed to Commissioner Tony Petitti and Chad Hawley, Senior Vice President of Policy and Compliance, highlights the importance of fair due process and adherence to the Conference's Sportsmanship Policy.

The letter, signed by U-M Athletic Director Warde Manuel, emphasizes that Michigan takes the allegations seriously and is fully cooperating with the NCAA investigation, which is expected to be completed this fall. The university remains dedicated to following all NCAA and Big Ten Conference rules and stands firmly behind the Conference's Sportsmanship Policy.

The response states that any disciplinary action at this stage would be procedurally improper, premature, and unwarranted. Michigan expresses concern that the rush to impose sanctions without a thorough investigation may be driven by external pressures rather than a desire to fairly apply the rules. The university highlights that the NCAA investigation is ongoing, and they have not had the opportunity to review the evidence or provide a meaningful response. Michigan reserves the right to present additional statements as the investigation progresses.

The letter argues that disciplinary action based on unadjudicated rule violations is a breach of the Big Ten Conference Handbook. It contends that the Conference cannot redefine unproven rules violations as violations of sportsmanship to bypass the procedural protections outlined in the Handbook. The response emphasizes that Michigan and all institutions within the Conference rely on these protections and that breaching them would set an indefensible precedent.

It further asserts that the Commissioner lacks the authority to punish Coach Jim Harbaugh under the Sportsmanship Policy. According to the response, the Sportsmanship Policy allows disciplinary action to be imposed only on individuals who have committed an offensive action or institutions responsible for individuals who have committed such actions. Michigan argues that Coach Harbaugh does not fit into either of these categories, and therefore, the Commissioner lacks authority to take disciplinary action against him.

Additionally, the response highlights that disciplinary action at this stage would be highly disproportionate given the broader regulatory context of the case. Michigan points out that sign-stealing, or decoding opponents' play signals, is legal and standard practice in college football and is not inherently a basis for rules or sportsmanship violations. The response raises the question of the prevalence of in-person scouting and collusion among opponents, indicating that a broader investigation may be necessary to understand how teams across the Conference and NCAA engage in signal decoding.

Michigan concludes by asserting that disciplinary action at this stage would be premature and requests that the Conference consider the allegations against Connor Stalions, the implicated individual, in the full context of the rules and changing norms in college football. The university maintains that there is no evidence of ongoing violations or irreparable harm requiring immediate sanctions, and a fair and thorough investigation is essential to ensure a just outcome.

As the NCAA investigation continues, both the Big Ten Conference and the University of Michigan are expected to closely monitor the situation. The response from Michigan underscores the importance of following proper procedures and preserving the integrity of the investigation as all parties seek a fair resolution to the sign-stealing allegations.