Michigan sign-stealing scandal: Tim Brando calls for due process, amid ‘media manipulation’

Michigan football’s sign-stealing investigation and accusations have become the talk of the collegiate sports world, as new information surrounding Wolverines’ staffer Connor Stalions’ involvement in the scandal continues to develop and reports on potential consequences for the program continue to circulate.

Many strong opinions surround the alleged sign-stealing scandal, with national FOX Sports commentator Tim Brando’s being the latest after sharing a lengthy, self-proclaimed “soliloquy” on X/formerly known as Twitter on Thursday regarding the situation.

“Anyone watching this @UMichFootball scandal should be able to see the media’s manipulation of this with its recent stories out this morning,” Brando tweeted. “Lemme begin this soliloquy with understanding that anonymous sources have forever been part of journalism. How information is gathered is of no consequence to me, however context is also important.

“It’s clear @bigten coaches and most others are pissed over perceived competitive advantages @CoachJim4UM [Jim Harbaugh] is alleged to have had this season. We get it. They’re baiting new Commissioner Tony Petitti to act on his own without Michigan having received a Notice of Allegation which starts a 90 day clock for the University to legally respond. This is called due process, but remember this isn’t a court of law, so if the Commissioner wishes to acquiesce its his jurisdiction.”

Brando is referring to a recent video call between the Big Ten’s coaches and conference commissioner Tony Petitti, where the league’s coaches urged Petitti to take action in the situation according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported.

Other members of the media have been critical of the Big Ten’s lack of involvement amid Michigan’s sign-stealing investigation, which Brando compared to a prominent investigation in the past that involved the NCAA and the SEC.

“Now to context, in 2010 a mountain of evidence over what was then allegations of illegal payments made to Cam Newton had Auburn in a similar position,” Brando added. “Then Commissioner The late great Mike Slive a former Judge was masterful in working thru and around the @NCAA and despite calls for Auburns Cam Newton to be ruled ineligible mattered not. This while not an issue of competitive advantage was a tawdry story that many within the @SEC were irate over, but history will show the Tigers were National Champions that year. Without Slive’s background and sincere due diligence that situation could have easily blown their chances.”

Many are curious about if or when the Big Ten Conference will intervene in the sign-stealing scandal, and even more are curious about the overall timeline regarding the NCAA’s process of investigation and potential punishment being handed down to Michigan. Which ultimately only time will tell.

“It was a different time, but @bigten Coaches need to understand Petitti doesn’t work for them! He serves at the pleasure of the Presidents of the BIG’s Institutions,” Brando concluded. “The media can keep its NCAA back channeling of leaks alive thru November and effectively ignore the most enjoyable part of the CFB season and I suspect they will. It’s my opinion it won’t change a thing. Commissioners do need to use this as an example of how the further they get away from the NCAA the better, and the quicker they take control of governance of CFB the sooner the sports image and day to day operations will improve!”