Sources: New NCAA evidence changed Michigan's stance on investigation - ESPN

Michigan's sudden change in how it was approaching the Big Ten's ongoing suspension of football coach Jim Harbaugh in the past several days coincided with two new significant developments in the NCAA's ongoing investigation into the Wolverines' alleged cheating scheme, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Harbaugh and the university were preparing during the first half of the week to challenge the Big Ten's right to suspend the coach via a restraining order and civil lawsuit filed in state court. On Thursday, the school's lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice — meaning it cannot be re-introduced in the future. The following morning, Michigan fired linebackers coach Chris Partridge.

Multiple sources told ESPN the NCAA informed Michigan this week it had obtained evidence suggesting that a university booster helped fund the impermissible sign-stealing operation run by former staff member Connor Stalions. Michigan also received evidence that suggested Partridge was tampering with the ongoing investigation.

After striking a consistently defiant stance and pursuing litigation last Friday, Michigan withdrew its legal complaint the night before a scheduled hearing on Thursday and accepted the Big Ten's full three-game suspension of Harbaugh.

Sources told ESPN that university leadership this week has shifted its tone from the stern rebuke of the league's sanctions to a growing acceptance that the football program may be dealing with significant NCAA infractions that could include a failure to properly monitor the program on Harbaugh's part.

Both Michigan and the Big Ten have said there is no evidence yet that suggests Harbaugh had direct knowledge of the alleged sign-stealing scheme. The investigation