In a defiant response to the Big Ten conference, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel sent a 10-page letter to Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti, expressing the university's objections to any "premature" disciplinary action against Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. The letter, obtained by Yahoo Sports, raises questions about the validity of the evidence presented and suggests that the conference has rushed to punish the Wolverines due to internal and public pressure.

The focus of Michigan's letter revolves around the ongoing sign-stealing scandal, which allegedly involved a former staff member named Connor Stalions. While Michigan accepts responsibility for Stalions' actions, the university maintains that he acted alone and that there is no evidence implicating other coaches, including Harbaugh, in the scheme.

In an attempt to cast doubt on the severity of the allegations, Manuel pointed to the prevalence of sign-stealing in college football and alluded to reports that Ohio State and Rutgers had shared Michigan's signals with Purdue prior to the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, however, denied these claims, further complicating the issue.

Manuel urged caution on the part of the conference, emphasizing the need for a fair and thorough investigation before any disciplinary measures are taken. The letter highlighted the potential for in-person scouting, collusion among opponents, and other questionable practices to be more widespread than commonly believed. Manuel's clear message was that the Big Ten should be careful in establishing precedents in a sport where such practices may be more prevalent than previously acknowledged.

While Michigan awaits a decision from Commissioner Petitti, who is expected to rule on the matter by the end of the week, the university's president, Santa Ono, along with Manuel and other administrators, are steadfast in their resistance to the imposition of any disciplinary action by the conference. They are urging Petitti to allow for "due process" and to await the completion of the NCAA's investigation before deciding on potential penalties for the Wolverines.

If the conference proceeds with disciplinary action, Michigan has signaled its intention to take legal action in response. The university is prepared to defend its position and contest any punishment levied by the Big Ten.

As this contentious issue continues to unfold, college football fans anxiously await the outcome of Commissioner Petitti's decision, which may involve a multi-game suspension for Coach Harbaugh. The letter from Manuel to the Big Ten lays out Michigan's case, asserting the need for fairness, thoroughness, and the completion of due process before rushing to judgment.

With the end of the week fast approaching, both Michigan and the Big Ten face a critical juncture in determining the outcome of this sign-stealing scandal and its potential repercussions for the Wolverines' football program.