On Oct. 19, the Big Ten announced that the NCAA had started an investigation into the Michigan football program for allegedly violating a rule that prohibits teams from scouting future opponents in person.
Two days later, on Oct. 21, the Wolverines defeated Michigan State 49-0 in East Lansing. In a press conference after the game, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh did not address the matter when asked, explaining the NCAA's probe made him unable to comment on events connected to the investigation.
Over the following week, several reports were published from national outlets such as Yahoo Sports, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, the AP, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal about Michigan's alleged sign-stealing operation:
- Ohio State Changed Signals Before 2022 Michigan Game
- Connor Stalions Bought Tickets to 30+ Big Ten Games
- Connor Stalions Seen Sharing Info During "The Game"
- Big Ten Could Impose Penalties on Michigan
- Connor Stalions Wrote The "Michigan Manifesto"
- Michigan Planned to Scout Eight Ohio State Games
- NCAA Investigators Interview Michigan Coaches
- OSU Warned TCU About Michigan's Sign-Stealing
- Ohio State Inquired About In-Person CFP Scouting
- UM Retracts Harbaugh's Contract Extension Offer
After a bye week last week, Harbaugh appeared before the media on Monday for the first time since Oct.