The latest from PD on 11W:
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Comment 2 hours ago
This is a great opportunity to revisit.
Initially, there was a ton of speculation around the idea that "if that's the minimum acceptable, how much worse could it get?" Many aspects of the framework as reported are squarely in line with the prescribed core penalties (i.e. the core penalty for aggravated FTM is a 1-3 year postseason ban). Alteration of records has always been what seemed to catch folks up, as most incorrectly believe that records are only vacated for ineligible student athletes. The COI has broad freedoms in applying punishments that exist within the sanction structure as they see appropriate.
I think - and this is an informed assumption at this point - is that the motivation for UM to have settled within the framework would have been more with timing and less with holding out for less severe sanctions. Had they accepted around the time things were first presented one year ago this week, their punishments could be wrapping up after this season.
While each COI panel is different, there has been a noticeable emphasis in decisions over the past year or so on self-reporting, cooperation, and reaching negotiated agreements. And, as we've seen, vacation of records is a very routine sanction in decisions.
It's interesting to hear Spiro tonight talk about the radical mood shift up north in the last 36 hours or so, a strong "sense of impending doom." He said that today, staffers were given initial coaching on not responding to media requests or commenting publicly once things were released.
I was texting with Intrinsic today on a few topics, and shared with him that my source said this morning that they (UM) were "operating under the assumption that an infractions decision and case summary are imminent" but that they weren't in the notification window yet.
A compliance attorney told me that this week would "be the target" given the ramp up to this season and the impact on UM's staff.
It's unavoidable. They are expecting it any moment.
Their insiders have cued up their red meat greatest hits of Ryan Day's brother, their most public booster is melting down in a seemingly-drunken rage of conspiracy theories and poor grammar, and their golden boy / pariah can't stop defending all the things he "didn't do" on Twitter. They aren't comfortable. They're squirming.
And THE world-famous Ohio State Buckeyes are the defending National Champions.
