Michigan sign-stealing penalties: Jim Harbaugh 10-year show-cause, hefty fines among NCAA punishments
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NCAA Fines Michigan for Sign-Stealing Scandal, Avoids Bowl Ban
Above: Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore looks on during the Maize vs Blue spring football game April 19, 2025. Image copyright: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images for ONIT
The Spin
Narrative A
These financial penalties are a meaningful shift toward modern enforcement by the NCAA, targeting wealthy programs where it hurts most — their wallets. Financial hits carry more weight than symbolic punishments, like vacated wins or postseason bans that only hurt innocent players. This approach finally recognizes that college football is a business and treats rule violations accordingly.
Narrative B
Michigan essentially bought its way out of serious consequences with a mere financial slap on the wrist. The lack of a postseason ban or vacated wins sends a clear message that wealthy programs can break rules and simply pay fines as the cost of doing business. This creates no real deterrent for future cheating by well-funded athletic departments.