Michigan sign-stealing allegations: Mark Schlabach weighs in on quick discipline, impact on 2023 season

Michigan has been the talk of the college sports world for the past week due to the potential illegal sign stealing it is being investigated for by the NCAA. New information seems to be coming out each day, and the situation is very fluid.

One of the overarching questions is whether the undefeated Wolverines could potentially face any discipline this season.

ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach hopped on with Paul Finebaum on The Paul Finebaum Show to discuss the latest Michigan news and whether he would expect a decision to come quickly from the NCAA.

“I don’t see how it can move quickly,” Schlabach said. “I think the only way anything would happen to Michigan during this season is if the Big Ten stepped in and did something to the Wolverines out of sportsmanship wise or the integrity of the playing field in the league. I’m sure the Big Ten’s got 13 really upset programs right now who believe that Michigan was illegally scouting them and stealing their signals and that it wasn’t an even playing field when they when Michigan. But you know how the NCAA operates, the enforcement staff, they move at a glacial pace. Let’s say that they worked at hyper-speed and got a notice of allegations to Michigan in mid-November. Michigan has 90 days to respond. That puts it at what? December, January, mid February. The College Football Playoff, the Big Ten Championship Game have come and gone. I’d be shocked if anything comes out.”

It was reported Monday that Michigan analyst Connor Stalions bought tickets to more than 30 opposing teams’ games over the last three seasons.

Stealing signs isn’t illegal but what elevates this potential scandal is Stalions or others doing in-person scouting, which is not allowed by the NCAA. Doing the in-person scouting would theoretically allow a team to record an opponent’s signs and steal them.

“Now down the road, a year from now, two years from now, which is typically how long it’s gonna take for it to be fully adjudicated, if Michigan were found in violation, could they have to go back and vacate some wins and forfeit some titles?” Schlabach said. “Perhaps. But it’s gonna be a long time from now and Jim Harbaugh may or may not be still be the coach of Michigan.”

To end the interview, Finebaum asked Schlabach point blank whether he expects Michigan to face any punishment this season as a result of the sign-stealing investigation.

Schlabach was brief: “I’d be very surprised.”

Mark Schlabach explains why any possible consequences from the current Michigan sign stealing inquiry may not come 'til after Jim Harbaugh has moved on: pic.twitter.com/eO33y00e2N

— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) October 24, 2023