Michigan President Asks Big Ten to Honor Due Process in Sign-Stealing Probe

Michigan president Santa Ono requested that Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti "respect due process" in the NCAA's ongoing investigation into the football program's alleged sign-stealing scandal, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

Ono wrote to Petitti:

"It's precisely at these times—when all key facts are not known but others are all too comfortable offering strongly held opinions—that it is essential for everyone to ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and that conclusions are based on what actually happened. The reputation and livelihoods of coaches, students, and programs cannot be sacrificed in a rush to judgment, no matter how many and how loudly people protest otherwise. Due process matters."

"We, as would any other member of the Big10, deserve nothing less. Our students, our coaches, our program—all are entitled to a fair, deliberate, thoughtful process."

Ono emailed Petitti before they met in Ann Arbor on Friday, according to Rittenberg. The two discussed the allegations against the Michigan football program and what information Petitti had obtained from the NCAA's investigation.

Ono added in the email that he is "deeply concerned" about the allegations and said the school is "committed to ethics, integrity, and fair play." Additionally, he asked Petitti to let the investigation play out before handing out any possible discipline.

Petitti is facing pressure from other Big Ten schools to impose punishment on Michigan. He has the power to impose discipline independent of the NCAA's investigation, which is expected to go beyond the 2023 football season.

"We are aware that other representatives of the Big10 are demanding that you take action now, before any meaningful investigation and full consideration of all the evidence," Ono wrote. "That is not something our conference rules permit. And we both know it is not what any other member would want if allegations were raised against their people or programs.

"The Big10 has not informed us of any investigation of its own, as would be required under conference rules. And, to be clear, oral updates from NCAA enforcement staff do not and cannot constitute evidence, nor do we think the NCAA would ever intend for an oral update to be given that meaning or weight."

The NCAA's investigation into Michigan's alleged sign-stealing scandal is focused on former Wolverines analyst Connor Stalions, who recently resigned from his position after being suspended.

Stalions is alleged to have purchased tickets to at least 35 games at 17 stadiums, per ESPN's Pete Thamel and Mark Schlabach. He is also accused of paying other people to attend games and film the sidelines of future Wolverines opponents, according to ESPN's Dan Murphy.

One of the most prominent pieces of Stalions' alleged misconduct is a photo that appears to show him wearing Central Michigan gear on the sidelines of the Chippewas' season opener against Michigan State.

Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has denied knowing about the alleged sign-stealing scheme, though he could still face punishment as Rittenberg reported Petitti "likely would target Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh rather than a team-related penalty."