Potential Level 2 Violation Could Lead to Severe Penalties for Key Michigan Football Figure

The draft reveals that Michigan’s head coach, Sherrone Moore, might face penalties as well.

The draft indicates that head coach Sherrone Moore could be subjected to a show-cause penalty and/or suspension for allegedly deleting text messages between himself and Stalions. These messages were later recovered by the NCAA using “device imaging.” Moore is also flagged as a repeat offender.

According to the ESPN report, the draft—subject to change—states that Moore could face a show-cause penalty and possibly a suspension for allegedly deleting a thread of 52 text messages with former michigan wolverines staffer Connor Stalions in October 2023, the same day media reports surfaced about Stalions’ efforts to capture playcalling signals of future opponents.Michigan

Moore, who faces a Level 2 violation, is one of five coaches named in the draft of allegations. However, no evidence indicates that any coach had direct knowledge of Stalions’ schemes.

Alongside former coaches Jim Harbaugh, Chris Partridge, and Denard Robinson, the University of Michigan faces an alleged Level 1 violation due to a “pattern of noncompliance within the football program” and “institutional efforts to hinder or thwart the NCAA’s investigation.” Harbaugh is accused of not cooperating by denying the NCAA’s request to view relevant messages and phone records from his personal cellphone, which constitutes a Level 1 violation in the eyes of the NCAA.

Other notable findings in the leaked draft include:
– Stalions allegedly failed to cooperate with the NCAA investigation.
– The NCAA allegedly has evidence that Stalions was on the Central Michigan sidelines during the Chippewas game against Michigan State.
– Partridge is accused of pressuring a player to lie or mislead NCAA investigators to “protect” the coaching staff during the probe into Stalions’ scheme. He also faces several Level 2 violations related to recruiting, unrelated to the sign-stealing investigation.
– Robinson allegedly faces Level 1 violations related to recruiting, unrelated to the Stalions investigation.
– Former defensive coaches Jesse Minter and Steve Clinkscale are accused of Level 2 violations related to recruiting infractions, also unrelated to the Stalions investigation.

The NOA draft suggests that the NCAA is frustrated with Michigan’s lack of cooperation, making it difficult to find incriminating evidence. However, the NCAA did uncover several recruiting violations, likely resulting in additional punishment beyond the alleged lack of cooperation charges.

The leak of this NOA draft to ESPN appears to be a deliberate move, suggesting an attempt to control the narrative by the NCAA. Until Michigan is served an official NOA, the situation remains fluid, and more developments are expected. This draft is subject to change, and the final outcome is still pending.