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As the Michigan Wolverines continuing to deal with an investigation into its football program, college football insider Pete Thamel weighed in on potential punishments from the recent scandal.
While fines could be incurred, it seems the program’s national championship is secure.
The Wolverines posted a perfect 15-0 mark in 2023, besting Washington in the CFP title game. That win landed Michigan its first national championship honor in nearly three decades.
But with success came controversy.
Staff member Connor Stalions was at the head of a sign-stealing scandal that overshadowed the team’s accomplishments last fall. The assistant was said to be at the head of an intricate scheme to swipe opposing signals, which involved attending games of rival foes and videotaping the sidelines.
Information gained was then allegedly used to gain an upper hand in head-to-head matchups.
Going further, some went as far as to suggest that the staff was also leaking intel to the opposition of potential playoff contenders, supposedly making the Wolverines’ path to the postseason that much easier.
Stalions was fired midseason amid the scandal, though he stayed close to the program, and Michigan would go on to complete its perfect season.
Repercussions are now being discussed following the historic campaign.
What will happen to Michigan?
Head coach Sherrone Moore has already been implicated in the scandal due to deleted texts sent to Stalions. Many speculate a potential suspension to start Year 1, which is becoming a common theme in Ann Arbor.
The draft, which could be subject to change, states Moore could face a show-cause penalty and possibly a suspension for allegedly deleting a thread of 52 text messages with former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions in October 2023 on the same day that media reports revealed Stalions was leading an effort to capture the playcalling signals of future opponents.
The draft states that the texts were later recovered via “device imaging” and Moore “subsequently produced them to enforcement staff.” Moore is accused of committing a Level 2 violation, according to the draft.
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Pete Thamel sat down with Pat McAfee this week to discuss other possible discipline.
“I’ve talked to people who trade in this NCAA infractions space over the last 24 hours,” Thamel said. “One thing that I’m certain of, Pat, is that any accomplishments that they won will not be taken away.
“Those typically involve players that are not eligible. Obviously, there are no players involved in this.”
While a suspension of the head coach is on the table, the national championship seems safe! Thamel also said a postseason ban is unlikely, meaning the Wolverines should have an opportunity to defend their title in 2024.
Much is still uncertain regarding the final outcome of the investigation. Still, this should come as good news to the ears of Michigan supporters.