Sherone Moore, Wolverines dismiss NCAA violation appeals

The University of Michigan Wolverines football program and head coach Sharon Moore have officially closed their long-running battle with the NCAA, ending a two-year saga involving the Connor Stallions sign theft investigation. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, both Moore and the Wolverines formally withdrew their appeals of the NCAA’s August 2025 decision — signaling an acceptance of the penalties and an end to the scandal, with the 2023 national championships intact.

The withdrawals came weeks apart. Moore completed his personal appeal on September 29, and the University of Michigan followed with its institutional withdrawal on October 6. The quiet filings were later confirmed by Thamel and Dan Wetzel, whose joint report detailed the complete closure of the NCAA violation case.

In an article written by Thamel and Wetzel and later posted on ESPN’s website, the university explained the rationale behind the decision.

“After careful consideration of the extended impact of the appeal on Michigan and our student-athletes, we have withdrawn our appeal of the NCAA’s decision on the violations and penalties,” the university said in a statement Monday evening.

In ending the appeals, the Wolverines accepted fines totaling $30 million over five years, recruiting restrictions and a three-game suspension for Moore. Two games have already been served, one of which will be included in the opening game of 2026. The ruling also included performance penalties of two years for Moore, eight for the Stallions and ten for the former coach Jim Harbaughwho is now with the Los Angeles Chargers. It is important that no victory was vacated, and no postseason bans were issued.

The decision marks a strategic turn toward stability for the Wolverines under Moore, which it is led the Wolverines to a 6-2 record this season with key wins against Washington and Minnesota. For a program once overshadowed by the investigation, the move reflects a focus on rebuilding trust and keeping attention on the field.

The saga that once dominated the headlines ends with Michigan football retains 2023 titleconceding a penalty and advancing with Moore.