Cody Croy
Author
The Committee of Infractions has handed the Michigan Wolverines a significant fine, a 25% reduction in official visits, and a 14-week prohibition on recruiting communications. Michigan Head Coach Sherrone Moore will receive a one-game suspension in 2026, a 2-game self-imposed suspension, and a two-year show-cause order, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Former Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has also been given a 10-year show-cause penalty on top of a previous show-cause for recruiting violations. Former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions has been given an 8-year show-cause penalty. This investigation began in 2023 after Michigan assistant Connor Stalions was caught purchasing tickets in his own name to scout 11 different Big Ten opponents over a 3-year span. Stalions was also spotted on the sidelines at a Central Michigan football game in September of 2023. Stallions officially announced his resignation from the program later that year.
This marks the end of a nearly two-year investigation, and while the legacies of many will be tarnished, this punishment just isn’t enough. With Jesse Minter and Jim Harbaugh in the NFL, the only current Michigan staffer who will receive consequences is Head Coach Sherrone Moore. In addition, no postseason ban will occur, and no wins from previous seasons will be vacated. This punishment is less severe than the Buckeyes’ 2011 Tattoo Gate, which resulted in a postseason ban in 2012 and a 5-year show-cause violation against Head Coach Jim Tressel, which would result in his resignation. The Wolverines will not be banned from the postseason, and Head Coach Sherrone Moore will get to coach again in 2025.
