**University of Michigan Responds to NCAA Notice of Allegations Regarding Sign-Stealing Investigation**
The University of Michigan has issued a formal statement addressing the NCAA’s recent Notice of Allegations (NOA) concerning alleged sign-stealing activities within its football program. The university emphasizes its commitment to upholding NCAA regulations and ensuring the integrity of collegiate athletics. ([Michigan receives notice of allegations from NCAA related to sign-stealing investigation](https://www.wsls.com/sports/2024/08/25/michigan-receives-notice-of-allegations-from-ncaa-related-to-sign-stealing-investigation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Background of the Investigation**
The NCAA’s investigation centers on allegations that former Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions engaged in impermissible in-person scouting and sign-stealing activities during the 2023 season. Reports indicate that Stalions purchased tickets to games involving future opponents and arranged for individuals to record opposing teams’ signals. In-person advanced scouting is prohibited under NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which restricts off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents in the same season. Stalions resigned from his position in October 2023 amid the investigation . ([Michigan receives notice of allegations from NCAA related to sign-stealing investigation](https://www.wsls.com/sports/2024/08/25/michigan-receives-notice-of-allegations-from-ncaa-related-to-sign-stealing-investigation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Michigan Receives Notice of Allegations From NCAA Related to Sign-Stealing Investigation](https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2024-08-25/michigan-receives-notice-of-allegations-from-ncaa-related-to-sign-stealing-investigation?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Michigan suspends staffer amid NCAA probe into allegations of sign-stealing | College football | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/21/michigan-sign-stealing-ncaa-investigation-jim-harbaugh?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Connor Stalions, the Michigan employee at the center of the NCAA sign-stealing investigation, quits | AP News](https://apnews.com/article/michigan-big-ten-sign-stealing-7b8bf1c599791b8d695d0d7b2676d4f8?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**University’s Response**
In response to the NOA, Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, stated, “We are fully committed to cooperating with the NCAA’s investigation and will take appropriate actions as necessary to address any violations.” The university has 90 days to respond to the allegations, after which a hearing before the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions may be scheduled . ([Jim Harbaugh releases statement in response to NCAA sign-stealing investigation – On3](https://www.on3.com/college/michigan-wolverines/news/jim-harbaugh-statement-ncaa-sign-stealing-investigation-response-rules-violation-michigan-football/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Michigan Receives Notice of Allegations From NCAA Related to Sign-Stealing Investigation](https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2024-08-25/michigan-receives-notice-of-allegations-from-ncaa-related-to-sign-stealing-investigation?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Statements from Key Individuals**
Former head coach Jim Harbaugh, who now serves as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, has denied any knowledge of the alleged sign-stealing activities. In a statement released in October 2023, Harbaugh asserted, “I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment” . ([Michigan receives notice of allegations from NCAA related to sign-stealing investigation | AP News](https://apnews.com/article/michigan-sign-stealing-investigation-ncaa-notice-of-allegations-74154697181437d79d287f8a1fc7c986?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Michigan suspends staffer amid NCAA probe into allegations of sign-stealing | College football | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/21/michigan-sign-stealing-ncaa-investigation-jim-harbaugh?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Current head coach Sherrone Moore, who succeeded Harbaugh, has also addressed the allegations. Moore acknowledged the NCAA’s investigation and expressed his intent to fully cooperate with the process. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the program and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. ([Michigan receives notice of allegations from NCAA related to sign-stealing investigation | AP News](https://apnews.com/article/michigan-sign-stealing-investigation-ncaa-notice-of-allegations-74154697181437d79d287f8a1fc7c986?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh Issues Statement on NCAA’s Sign-Stealing Investigation – Sports Illustrated](https://www.si.com/college/2023/10/19/jim-harbaugh-statement-michigan-illegally-stole-opponents-signs?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Implications for the Program**
The NOA outlines potential violations involving multiple individuals within the program, including current and former staff members. The university’s response will be critical in determining the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent penalties. The NCAA has indicated that a negotiated resolution is possible, but the university’s commitment to transparency and accountability will play a significant role in this process . ([Michigan receives notice of allegations from NCAA related to sign-stealing investigation](https://www.wsls.com/sports/2024/08/25/michigan-receives-notice-of-allegations-from-ncaa-related-to-sign-stealing-investigation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Michigan football gets NCAA Notice of Allegations over sign-stealing – Maize n Brew](https://www.maizenbrew.com/2024/8/25/24228168/michigan-football-ncaa-connor-stalions-notice-of-allegations-sign-stealing-sherrone-moore-harbaugh?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Conclusion**
The University of Michigan remains dedicated to upholding the principles of fair play and compliance with NCAA regulations. The ongoing investigation into the alleged sign-stealing activities will be addressed with the utmost seriousness, and the university will take all necessary steps to ensure the integrity of its football program. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops. ([Michigan receives notice of allegations from NCAA related to sign-stealing investigation](https://www.michiganpublic.org/sports/2024-08-26/michigan-receives-notice-of-allegations-from-ncaa-related-to-sign-stealing-investigation?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
