Avoiding a postseason ban and vacated wins wasn’t good enough for Michigan.
Michigan announced Friday afternoon that it will appeal the punishments it received from the Committee on Infractions on Friday, claiming the decision made “fundamental errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws.”
“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 university said in a statement.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said “a postseason ban should never have been a consideration” and that he fully supports the university’s decision to pursue an appeal.
“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,” Manuel said in a statement.
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore, who will serve a two-game suspension this year and a one-game suspension next year as part of the sanctions against Michigan, said his focus is on the upcoming season.
“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,” Moore said.
Michigan’s penalties for its impermissible sign-stealing scheme are headlined by a fine equivalent to its postseason revenue for the next two seasons plus 10% of its football budget and 10% of its football scholarships for the 2025-26 season. Per Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, those fines could cost Michigan more than $35 million.
Michigan also received four years of probation, a 25% reduction in 2025-26 official visits for recruits and a 14-week prohibition on recruiting communications during the probation period. Jim Harbaugh received a 10-year show-cause penalty, Connor Stalions received an eight-year show-cause penalty and Denard Robinson received a three-year show-cause penalty, but each of them are no longer employed by Michigan.
