• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Michigan Will Appeal Record $20M Fine As Harbaugh Backs Away

The sign-stealing scandal involving Michigan’s football team is far from over, as the school says it will fight record-setting penalties from the NCAA. 

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The University of Michigan said it intends to appeal the minimum $20 million fine assessed by the NCAA on Friday as part of the school’s sign-stealing scandal. The Wolverines’ former coach at the helm during the offenses, however, is staying as far away from the situation as possible. 

Soon after the NCAA levied the stronger-than-expected penalty, the school pushed back, saying the governing body erred in reaching its conclusions. In addition to the monetary fine, the findings also led to additional penalties such as reductions in football recruiting activity and a four-year probation designation. 

“In a number of instances, the decision makes fundamental errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws; and it includes a number of conclusions that are directly contrary to the evidence—or lack of evidence—in the record,” Michigan said in a statement. “We will appeal this decision to ensure a fair result, and we will consider all other options.”

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, for his part, said he was relieved that the findings did not lead to a reduction in postseason opportunities, but added, “a postseason ban should never have been a consideration in this case. I fully support the university’s decision to pursue an appeal.”

A key motivation for the forthcoming appeal, and not simply moving on from the matter as quickly as possible, is the amount of money involved. Michigan’s total fine could ultimately exceed $30 million, depending in part on football postseason revenue sharing in 2025 and 2026 that will be forfeited as part of the sanctions. Such a figure would nearly quadruple the current NCAA record fine in an infractions case, an $8 million penalty assessed on the University of Tennessee in 2023 for recruiting violations. 

A formal notification of appeal is expected in the coming days, which will trigger an extended back-and-forth between the school and NCAA before the organization’s Infractions Appeal Committee. 

Harbaugh Is Mum

Jim Harbaugh, who led Michigan to the 2023 national title and is now head coach of the NFL’s Chargers, refused to address the matter late Saturday after his current team dropped a preseason game to the Rams.

“Like I said to you last year, not engaging,” Harbaugh said. “Not engaging.”

Harbaugh has consistently maintained his innocence and that he did not know about the sign-stealing being done by former Michigan football staff member Connor Stalions. The NCAA’s findings, however, pointed to “overwhelming” evidence of a cover-up by Wolverines staff, and that Harbaugh “failed to demonstrate that he adequately promoted compliance or monitored his program.” 

Additionally, Harbaugh is effectively restricted from collegiate athletic activities until August 2038, when he’ll be 74.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

College Football Coach Buyouts Are Not What They Seem

LSU will likely not have to pay Kelly the $53 million he has left on his contract.

Sports Equinox 2025 Shows How Fragmented Sports TV Has Become

Multiple streaming services are needed to watch Monday’s games.

$100M Browns Stadium Settlement Still Faces Cleveland City Hurdles

Cleveland’s city council must still approve the pact with the Browns.

LSU Ends Brian Kelly Era, $53M Buyout Negotiations Underway

The Tigers fell to 5–3 after losing to Texas A&M.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.

Revenue-Sharing Era’s New Powers: Indiana, Georgia Tech, and Vandy

Indiana is the most notable, having ascended to No. 2.
Azzi Fudd
October 24, 2025

Government Shutdown Moves UConn Season Opener Out of Germany

The shutdown is now on its 24th day.
October 26, 2025

Sarkisian, Kiffin Address Rumors As Coaching Carousel Spins Again

Reports are rampant about the coaches taking new jobs.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates following the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
exclusive
October 24, 2025

Diego Pavia Is Trying to Kill NCAA JUCO Eligibility Rules for Good

Vandy’s QB is amending his own lawsuit to encompass all NCAA athletes.
Oct 11, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell after losing the game to the Pittsburgh Panthers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
October 23, 2025

CFB’s Chaotic (and Pricey) Coaching Carousel Only Getting Started

Firings have already accounted for roughly $116 million.
Jun 10, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; A NCAA logo flag at the NCAA Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
October 23, 2025

College Athletes Can Bet on Pro Sports Starting in November

An NBA player and coach were charged Thursday in a sports betting investigation.
Tony Vitello
October 22, 2025

Tony Vitello’s Stunning MLB Jump Comes With $3M Tennessee Buyout

Vitello heads to San Francisco after winning a national championship in 2024.