The University of Michigan will appeal the NCAA’s ruling on the football program’s advanced scouting case centered around former staffer Connor Stalions.
In a press release on Friday afternoon, a quote attributed to the University of Michigan stated: “We appreciate the work of the Committee on Infractions. But, respectfully, in a number of instances the decision makes fundamental errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws; and it includes a number of conclusions that are directly contrary to the evidence
– or lack of evidence – in the record. We will appeal this decision to ensure a fair result, and we will consider all other options.”
The punishments handed down to the program, according to a university spokesperson, includes:
- Public Reprimand and Censure
- Four Years of Added Probation
- Financial penalties:
- Institutional Fine of $50,000 plus 10% of its budget for the football program to the NCAA
- Fine equivalent to anticipated loss of postseason revenue sharing during the 2025 and 2026 football seasons
- A fine equivalent to the cost of 10% of all football scholarships for the 2025-26 season
- A 25% reduction in football official visits during the 2025-26 season
- A 14-week prohibition on recruiting communications in the football program during the four-year probation period
- A two-year show-cause order against Coach Sherrone Moore, during which he is suspended from a total of three games. Michigan self-imposed a two-game suspension for Moore during the upcoming 2025-26 football season. The panel added an additional game which is the opener to the 2026-27 season. Moore is not prohibited from engaging in coaching or other athletically related activities during the show-cause period.
Additionally, Athletics Director Warde Manuel was quoted in the press release, saying: “It is never our intent to be in a position where we are accused of any rules violations. I fully support Coach Sherrone Moore, our student-athletes and staff as they prepare for the season ahead. I appreciate Coach Moore’s continued commitment to ensuring his program operates in compliance with applicable rules. I acknowledge the Committee on Infractions’ decision to not penalize our current student-athletes by eliminating postseason opportunities; however, a postseason ban should never have been a consideration in this case. I fully support the university’s decision to pursue an appeal. Coach Moore and I will not have any further comment.”
Finally, head coach Sherrone Moore stated: “I am glad that this part of the process has been completed. I greatly respect the rules governing collegiate athletics and it is my intent to have our program comply with those rules at all times. I will continue to focus my attention on our team and the upcoming 2025 season.”
