To me the biggest false narrative is this garbage about due process. Any one who reads Pettiti’s 13 page report know that is simply a lie- intended to delay a bigger punishment
This additional evidence, including recorded interviews, photos, videos, and other documentation that had previously been provided to the University, confirms what the evidence already reviewed by the Conference makes clear: the University football team staff member engaged in an organized and extensive in-person, off campus advance scouting scheme, and that the staff member was in close communications with at least some of the coaches on the University’s football team. //This evidence also revealed significant new information from interviews that the University attended, information that is covered by confidentiality under the NCAA’s rules so as not discussed further here.//”
“Significant new information” that cannot be disclosed in the B1G letter due to confidentiality issues.
According to Petitti, the fact that the NCAA felt the need to inform the Big Ten about the investigation immediately underscored the severity of the allegations against Michigan, leading to the conference taking swift action against the Wolverines.”
"It is rare and outside the NCAA's typical protocols for the NCAA to disclose information about an active investigation to institutions other than the institution under investigation. However, the NCAA stated and believed that the disclosure was necessary due to the unprecedented scope of the then-alleged scheme, and because of the significant impact the impermissible scheme could have on competition during the current football season,"
So according to the commissioner-
-The evidence that impermissible activity, intended to gain an unfair competitive advantage for multiple seasons and with meticulously planned execution- is incontrovertible.
- this evidence was presented in full to the University of Michigan president when they met in person with the commissioner.
-instead of showing contrition, and accountability, the Michigan brass started their PR campaign to blame others, stall, claim others are doing it, question the Big Ten’s authority to act, etc. clearly a full blown attempt to change the narrative. They even attacked Pettiti on a personal level. They also delayed their response by a day and a half- thereby delaying the BIG’s response.
So there is more to come - as part of the legitimate due process- to determine if/ how much the coaches were involved.
But the fact that this actually happened is established, and the Big did the minimal they could do.
So due process is being allowed where needed- but over with respect to the impermissible activity.
The letter makes it clear- the NCAA is coming hard after this because they see it as egregious, and they are coming faster than normal.
And I will admit that this is my opinion, but I think it’s shared by many to say the least; this whole “Defense and clamoring about due process” by Michigan, where they don’t deny anything, it’s really there attempt to see if they can ensure the season plays out because they know the hammer is coming. That’s what this all boils down to.
