Detroit, Michigan – The University of Michigan football team started its 2025 season on a high note, securing a 34-17 victory over the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday. This win came just days after the NCAA imposed significant fines against the school due to a highly publicized sign-stealing controversy that has stirred up a lot of attention.
Following the NCAA’s decision, the University of Michigan announced plans to appeal the ruling. The lengthy 79-page report from the NCAA pointed out that “some of the witness’ statements are not as credible as others.” A source close to the situation revealed that one of the student-athletes involved apparently lied when stating that former linebackers coach Chris Partridge had urged players not to cooperate with NCAA investigators. Notably, Partridge was let go in November 2023, shortly after the investigation commenced but faced no penalties in the NCAA resolution.
Key details from the NCAA report indicate that a student-athlete recorded a phone call with Connor Stalions, who was at the center of the investigation and recently received an eight-year show-cause penalty. It also surfaced that a contributor at Michigan supplied important information to a private investigative firm. Information has emerged suggesting that the same student-athlete who misrepresented facts to the NCAA might also have recorded that phone call without consent and accessed videos from a former staff member’s personal computer without authorization.
Legal expert Odey K. Meroueh has been closely monitoring these developments. He believes Michigan could potentially win its appeal in state court. He noted, “It’s been alleged there has been some evidence that was illegally obtained in this matter … that does matter in state court.” He emphasized the significant differences between the NCAA’s rules and those of state courts, particularly concerning how evidence is gathered. Meroueh elaborated that evidence acquired unlawfully could lead to a complete dismissal of the NCAA’s case against Michigan. “In the actual state court, similar to a criminal trial, when there’s evidence that’s obtained illegally, it’s called fruit from the poisonous tree,” he explained.
For now, Michigan’s football program aims to focus on their season ahead, while the legal battle looms in the background, potentially influencing both the players and the university’s reputation in the coming weeks.
