Michigan coach Sherrone Moore faces allegations that he violated NCAA rules related to an investigation into impermissible scouting and sign-stealing that dogged the program throughout its run to last season’s national championship.
Three people were briefed on the contents of an NCAA notice of allegations that Michigan is expected to receive Sunday that alleges Moore deleted text messages from Connor Stalions, the former low-level recruiting staffer who coordinated an off-campus advanced scouting operation, around the time the investigation was opened.
The Stalions have resigned from their positions with the Michigan football team following allegations of sign stealing in November 2023.
Stalions will break its silence on August 27 on Netflix when the documentary “Sign Stealer” debuts on the streaming service.
One of the people interviewed said the NCAA had recommended a Level 2 violation for Moore. Level I is the most serious, and that the NCAA was able to retrieve messages exchanged between Moore and Stalions.
ESPN first reported Sunday that it had obtained a copy of a draft of the notice of allegations, which may differ from the final version of the document sent to Michigan.
Moore, 38, was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach when Jim Harbaugh left Michigan to become coach of the Los Angeles Chargers shortly after leading the Wolverines to their first national title since 1997.
Moore served as interim head coach four times last season while Harbaugh served suspensions, winning all four games, including the season finale against rival Ohio State.
Harbaugh has denied any knowledge of illegal tracking while he was a member of the program, although he could face Level I violations.
The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for the final three games of the 2023 regular season to punish Michigan for violating the conference’s sportsmanship policy after the conference investigated the sign-stealing scheme.
NCAA President Charlie Baker said earlier this year that the Wolverines won the national championship “fairly and fairly.”
In-person scouting is prohibited by the NCAA, which investigated Michigan’s alleged scheme to determine how organized it was and who had knowledge of it. Records from other Big Ten schools show the Stalions bought tickets to numerous games involving future opponents, sending people to digitally record the teams as they reported their actions.
Moore and Michigan could face more serious charges from the NCAA as repeat violators, following a separate investigation into recruiting violations.
Last December, the NCAA sent Michigan a notice of allegations regarding impermissible on- and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and practice activities, potential violations that led the school to self-impose a three-game suspension on Harbaugh to start the season.
Moore was suspended for one game by the school. Michigan used a different coach for each of its three season openers.
The case was settled in April by a deal negotiated between Michigan and the NCAA. The school was placed on probation for three years, although Harbaugh was not involved in the negotiations.
Harbaugh had previously told NCAA investigators that he would not accept charges of unethical conduct for lack of candor, according to multiple people familiar with the situation. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the investigation have not been shared.
It will be several months before the latest Michigan case is resolved. NCAA policy gives schools 90 days to respond to a notice of allegations. After responding, the school will be summoned to a hearing before the NCAA Committee on Infractions, although a negotiated resolution is still possible.
Associated Press report.
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