Michigan urges Big Ten to respect due process, NCAA investigation - ESPN

Michigan president Santa Ono urged Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti to respect due process and the ongoing NCAA investigation into the football program as Petitti mulls potential discipline for the Wolverines for alleged off-campus scouting and signal-stealing, according to a letter obtained by ESPN.

Ono emailed Petitti on Thursday night, in advance of their meeting Friday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Petitti was attending the Big Ten field hockey tournament. Petitti and Ono discussed the allegations against Michigan, as well as the information Petitti has obtained from the NCAA, sources told ESPN.

In the email, Ono noted that no program would want to be in Michigan's position and that he's «deeply concerned» about the allegations, adding the school is «committed to ethics, integrity, and fair play.» But Ono encouraged Petitti to let the NCAA's investigative process play out before imposing discipline, which other Big Ten coaches and athletic directors have encouraged him to do.

Ono also shared the email with the other Big Ten presidents and chancellors.

Under the Big Ten's sportsmanship policy, Petitti has the authority to investigate and impose discipline independent of the NCAA's drawn-out investigative and infractions process, which likely would extend well after the 2023 season.

The NCAA's investigation centers on former Michigan analyst Connor Stalions, who resigned from his position Friday after initially being suspended with pay.

«It's precisely at these times — when all key facts are not known but others are all too comfortable offering strongly held opinions — that it is essential for everyone to ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and that conclusions are based on what actually happened,» Ono