The NCAA hit the central figure of Michigan's sign-stealing case with an eight-year show-cause penalty, which could keep him out of college athletics for the foreseeable future.

"The NCAA found no evidence that Jim Harbaugh or Michigan coaches directed or had knowledge of low-level staffer's Connor Stalions' alleged off-campus scouting operation," Safie wrote on X. "Jim Harbaugh made a statement in October 2023 that he had no knowledge, and that's supported."

The NCAA finalized and released its punishments for Michigan following their elaborate sign-stealing scandal on Friday afternoon. The repercussions include a $20 million fine of the university, a 10-year show-cause penalty for former head coach Jim Harbaugh, and an eight-year show-cause penalty for supposed ring leader Connor Stalions.

The 74-page NCAA report detailed the rift between Jim Harbaugh's football program and the Michigan compliance department.

The NCAA says former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions called his sprawling network of in-person scouting the 'KGB.'

Outside of Connor Stalions, if anyone has been the face of Michigan football's 'signgate' saga, it's been ESPN reporter Pete Thamel. The one reporting on the allegations throughout the process, he became a villain to fans in Ann Arbor and a hero to those in Columbus and East Lansing.