Sherrone Moore, Michigan Withdraw Appeals for NCAA Infractions in Sign-Stealing Case

The University of Michigan and head football coach Sherrone Moore will not appeal the NCAA's punishments for infractions related to the sign-stealing scandal involving former assistant Connor Stalions after all.

ESPN's Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel reported Monday that both the school and coach withdrew their appeals.

At the time of the punishments, Michigan released a statement that said, "We appreciate the work of the Committee on Infractions. But, respectfully, in a number of instances the decision makes fundamental errors 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."

There was clearly a change of heart, as Michigan released a new statement Monday that said, "After careful consideration of the prolonged impact of an appeal on Michigan and our student athletes, we have withdrawn our appeal of the NCAA's infractions decision and penalties."

In August, the NCAA announced Michigan committed multiple Level I violations during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons. 

It levied a number of punishments against the Big Ten program, including an eight-year show-cause for Stalions, a 10-year show-cause for former head coach Jim Harbaugh, a three-game suspension for Moore, a three-year show cause for Denard Robinson, and a fine equal to the loss of postseason revenue for 2025 and 2026.

The NCAA also ruled Michigan had to pay a $50,000 fine, plus 10 percent of its budget for the football program. Other punishments included a 14-week prohibition on recruiting communications and a 25 percent reduction in football official visits for the 2025-26 campaign.

Thamel and Wetzel noted the fines "could total as much as $30 million."

While the Wolverines are facing significant punishments, especially financially, they were not issued a bowl ban or forced to vacate their 2023 national title. It should be noted, though, they committed enough infractions to deserve a multiyear bowl ban in the NCAA's eyes.

Only a change in approach saved the program from such a fate.

"Michigan's repeat violator status, coupled with its Level I-Aggravated case classification, is sufficient grounds for a multiyear postseason ban," the NCAA explained in August. "However, the panel determined that a postseason ban would unfairly penalize student-athletes for the actions of coaches and staff who are no longer associated with the Michigan football program. Thus, the panel determined a more appropriate penalty is an offsetting financial penalty instead of a two-year postseason ban."

Michigan was 49-22 overall, 0-5 against rival Ohio State and never reached the College Football Playoff during Harbaugh's tenure prior to the alleged start of the advanced scouting scheme in 2021.

However, it went 40-3 overall, 3-0 against the Buckeyes, reached the CFP three times and won the national title in 2023 during the three seasons mentioned in the NCAA's announcement.

Michigan is 6-2 this season and ranked No. 21 in the Associated Press Top 25.