Michigan Fans React to NCAA Punishment in Sign-Stealing Scandal originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
On Friday, the NCAA finally concluded its investigation into the sign-stealing scandal that has loomed over the Michigan Wolverines football program for more than two seasons, dating back to Jim Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach.
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With Sherrone Moore entering his second season, he will face new challenges. Michigan is expected to pay over $20 million in postseason revenue fines across the next two seasons, while Moore will serve an additional one-game suspension on top of the Wolverines’ self-imposed two-game suspension in Weeks 3 and 4 of this season.
While the penalties are notable, they didn’t come as a major surprise. Many college football fans felt the punishment could have been more severe, yet Michigan supporters appear largely unfazed, as the sanctions do not affect the 2023 Big Ten championship or the team’s national championship.
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Michigan Fans React to News
“Ok, Michigan fans, was it worth it? Basically $20 million in exchange for the school’s first natty in 26 years. I think I know your answer,” a fan said.
Someone else added, “It’s a great day to be a Michigan fan! No postseason ban! But still [explicit] Connor Stallions! We didn’t need him ever! Go Blue!”
Another person wrote, “I’m going to be in full obnoxious Michigan fan (alumni) mode today. Probably for the next 48 hours. I apologize if that’s not what you’re here for. You’re going to have to deal with it.”
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“CANT BEAT US ON THE FIELD. CANT BEAT US IN THE NCAA OFFICES. CANT BEAT US ANYWHERE WE’RE MICHIGAN,” a fan reacted.
One more fan commented, “So there’s no real punishment. Harbaugh is in the NFL and Michigan still gets to play in postseason.”
Sherrone Moore will be required to miss matchups against Central Michigan and Nebraska this season, and he will also sit out the first game of the 2026 season against Western Michigan.
While there are some financial implications, the absence of a postseason ban—a likely worst-case scenario—and the fact that Moore will only miss one game against a Power Five opponent across the three total games make this outcome a relative win for Michigan and Ann Arbor.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
