Michigan has submitted its response to the Big Ten concerning the notice of disciplinary action, according to a university official speaking to ESPN on Wednesday, setting the stage for conference commissioner Tony Petitti to make a decision on potential punishment for the Wolverines.

The response comes amid an ongoing NCAA investigation into allegations of off-campus scouting and signal stealing by former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions. As part of the sportsmanship policy, the Big Ten sent a notice to Michigan in case penalties were deemed necessary.

A source informed ESPN that Petitti is not expected to make a disciplinary decision until Thursday. The potential penalties remain unknown at this time, but sources suggest that any sanctions, including possible suspensions, would likely focus on coach Jim Harbaugh rather than the players.

A spokesperson from Michigan reiterated the university's belief in due process, stating, "We remain steadfast in our conviction that due process matters. Like all members of the Big Ten Conference, we are entitled to a fair, deliberate, and thoughtful process to determine the full set of facts before judgment is made. We continue to fully cooperate with the NCAA and the Big Ten regarding this matter."

Michigan's 10-page response to the conference reportedly emphasized the importance of respecting due process and argued that imposing a sanction at this stage would violate the league's bylaws. This move is seen as a potential means to lay the groundwork for legal intervention if Harbaugh faces suspension.

Sources have disclosed that the letter also urged the Big Ten to exercise caution, suggesting that in-person scouting and signal stealing may be more prevalent than previously known, and the league should consider the precedent it sets with its actions.

Adding to the pressure on Petitti, 11 Michigan lawmakers penned a letter urging the commissioner to proceed prudently and refrain from premature actions against the state university. The legislators emphasized the need for the Big Ten to wait for the official results of its own investigation or the NCAA's findings before taking any disciplinary measures.

The letter warned Petitti that rushing to judgment or engaging in ill-considered actions would lead the lawmakers to vigorously support the university's efforts to ensure fairness and due process.

Should Petitti choose to impose significant punishments or sanctions against Harbaugh or the University of Michigan, sources state that the school is prepared to explore all available legal options. This includes potentially seeking an injunction or temporary restraining order to challenge the decision.

As the decision on potential punishment from Petitti looms, both Michigan and the Big Ten await the commissioner's ruling, with the outcome potentially having far-reaching implications for the university and the future of collegiate sports.