On Monday, Michigan athletics received formal notice from the Big Ten that it might be disciplined for the alleged illegal sign-stealing scheme involving Michigan football.

The notice is required by the Big Ten bylaws, which state: “In the event that it becomes clear that an institution is likely to be subjected to disciplinary action, the Commissioner shall notify that institution or individual at the earliest reasonable opportunity. Under no circumstances shall the Commissioner comment publicly regarding either an investigation or disciplinary action without first providing notice to any involved institution or individual.

Michigan could be punished based on the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy. The main focus of the inquiry is whether Michigan was physically scouting potential opponents and interpreting coaches’ signals from the sidelines using video recordings. Both actions are against NCAA rules.

. But his banishment does not absolve the Wolverines from punishment, and Jim Harbaugh could be suspended again this season.

The push for punishment from the conference started last week after conference calls were held with every school. It has been reported that other Big Ten commissioners and coaches have tried to exert pressure on Tony Petitti, the league’s new first-year commissioner, to take action against the Wolverines before the NCAA does.

Santa Ono, the president of Michigan, wrote the Big Ten on Thursday, pleading for due process and allowing the investigation to finish. He met with Petitti on Friday in Ann Arbor.

The news of the notice of potential punishment came just minutes after Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced he would be skipping this week’s College Football Playoff rankings summit in Dallas to deal with the ongoing investigation. Manuel is on the selection committee.