The Big Ten formally notified Michigan that it could be facing disciplinary action from the league, a Michigan official told ESPN.
The letter sent to Michigan is part of the Big Ten's sportsmanship policy, which requires a notice of disciplinary action "in the event it becomes clear that an institution is likely to be subjected to disciplinary action." The NCAA is investigating Michigan for illegal off-campus scouting and signal stealing, but Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has the authority to impose discipline under the sportsmanship policy before the lengthy NCAA investigative and infractions process concludes.
The Big Ten's letter alludes to evidence of the illegal signal-stealing, which compromised competitive integrity and other principles of the sportsmanship policy, according to sources.