The Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing strategy was the subject of a piece by ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Dan Murphy on Sunday afternoon, which had details on the NOA draft that the Wolverines would receive. According to the article, Sherrone Moore erased 52 text messages containing threats from Stalions as soon as the news about them surfaced in October of last year. According to the source, Moore may also be subject to a show clause and suspension as a result.The NCAA discovered other recruiting infractions during its investigation into the Stalions’ case, which did not include the Stalions, as reported in ESPN’s story. A number of former coaches, including Jim Harbaugh, Chris Partridge, Denard Robinson, Jesse Minter, and Steve Clinkscale, are being investigated for NCAA infractions.

Although Moore’s deletion of mails with Stalions was the most important finding in the NOA draft, it was also determined to be a Level 2 violation rather than a Level 1. Pete Thamel refuted the notions that Michigan may forfeit victories, that any player might be in danger, or that there would be any kind of playoff ban during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up with Mike Greenberg. Thamel thinks Moore might get a brief penalty, but after Michigan is formally granted the NOA, we’ll have to wait and see what the NCAA has to say.

“So I think Sherrone Moore faces a short suspension if you look at the history of this stuff at its maximum,” stated Thame. “After looking through the possible outcomes for Michigan in this situation, Greeny, I don’t believe they will face a postseason ban. I don’t think there will be any kind of retroactivity—that is, anything to what they have already won and accomplished—when considering history and previous precedence in this regard. Their achievements are secure. The eligibility of the player is unaffected by this. As a result, Moore has sort of taken on a prominent role in this notice because the other coaches involved have all joined the NFL. Depending on how long this legal process takes, we should know in the coming weeks and months whether Moore receives a suspension of any kind.

Paul Finebaum, a former Michigan opponent, now seems to be on Michigan’s side—or at least against the NCAA—while Thamel offered Michigan supporters some optimism and good news. Finebaum doesn’t think any of this is particularly significant. He brings up the comment made by NCAA President Charlie Baker in the wake of Michigan’s national championship. Finebaum continues to criticize the NCAA and asserts that the Wolverines are capable of winning any court case that is presented.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal, and other than the fact that you had to stop your golf round yesterday due to lightning, I’m having trouble remembering anything,” Finebaum said. The point is that, aside from the NCAA, many people believe that this is the end of a protracted saga that begins here. Remember that Charlie Baker, the NCAA president, declared that Michigan won the national championship “fair and square.” This may sound out of context, and it most likely is. That is something I recall, and I believe many attorneys will as well, should this case get to a high degree of detail and place Michigan at risk. I don’t mean to downplay Pete’s excellent reporting on this, but the main issue is that, when it comes to collegiate athletics, the NCAA is unrespected. Really, nobody gives a damn about the NCAA. And if the NCAA dares to do anything to Michigan other than give them a slap on the wrist, a group of attorneys is prepared to drag this out and scare them.