Pete Thamel reveals most likely scenario regarding Jim Harbaugh, Michigan punishment

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan could face punishment soon amid the sign stealing scandal, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Connor Stalions, the staffer at the center of the investigation, was fired heading into the weekend and eventually stated he resigned. Stalions’ lawyer claimed Harbaugh had no knowledge of the scheme itself.

However with the investigation playing out, Thamel revealed the most likely outcome for the Michigan head coach.

“The most telling sign that the Big Ten, which would take action immediately and has the purview to do that, it would come under that league sportsmanship policy,” Thamel said on College GameDay. “And the most telling sign that could happen is that Tony Petitti told his athletic directors this week that he’s been engaged with the NCAA, which is an important step in getting a fact set in this case. 

“In the last few days, Petitti has spoken with the athletic directors, he’s spoken with the Presidents, he’s spoken with the coaches and the next steps appear that there will be some type of punishment for Michigan.”

Harbaugh, who had a self-imposed suspension for the first three games dating back to a different alleged violation during the 2020 season, could be on the hook for more games.

“The most likely scenario here is some type of suspension for Jim Harbaugh,” Thamel said. “I wouldn’t expect anything to happen today before they kick off against Purdue at 7:30. But in the upcoming days, Rece, I would expect that we’re going to find out whether or not the Big Ten will punish Jim Harbaugh, what that will be and how long that suspension would be potentially.”

Stalions was investigated by the NCAA after reports arose of the Michigan staff “sign-stealing.” Stalions allegedly bought tickets to four different campus games of four College Football Playoff contenders last year.

Additionally, there are records of SEC title game ticket purchases from 2021 and 2022. Finally, twelve of the other 13 Big Ten schools have record of Stalions buying tickets. Stalions reportedly did not cooperate with any internal or external investigations or discussions.

“I love the University of Michigan and its football program,” Stalions said in a statement provided to The Athletic. “And I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with the incredible student athletes, Coach Harbaugh and the other coaches that have been a part of the Michigan football family during my tenure. I do not want to be a distraction from what I hope to be a championship run for the team, and I will continue to cheer them on.”