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Summary:
- Jim Harbaugh, the Michigan football coach, denies being involved in stealing play-calling signals.
- U-M Athletics promises to cooperate with the NCAA’s investigation of sign-stealing allegations.
- Harbaugh was already under suspension for allegedly violating recruiting laws
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan football coach, denied any involvement in or knowledge of plots to steal opponents’ signs and promised to cooperate with NCAA investigations.
Stating that he has no information about the University of Michigan college football program stealing opponents’ signals and asserting that he hasn’t directed anybody to participate in off-campus scouting assignments, the coach said that his staff would fully cooperate with the NCAA, which is currently investigating these allegations.
Michigan Wolverines Accused of Scouting Opponents In-person
A Yahoo Sports report of Oct 19, 2023, says the Wolverines allegedly sent representatives to opponents’ games to collect details about their defense and offense playing signs.
The NCAA, which refused to reveal details of its investigation, has no rules against sign stealing. However, it prohibits scouting future opponents in person and off campus and has several bylaws against unsportsmanlike behaviour.
According to ESPN, the focus of the NCAA’s investigation is in-person scouting. If the NCAA confirms the truth of the allegations, the Wolverines would be guilty of violating the NCAA bylaw which prevents off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents.
U-M Athletics Assures Complete Cooperation
Athletic Director Warde Manuel offered personal assurance that U-M Athletics will fully cooperate with the NCAA investigation.
The NCAA notified the Big Ten and the University of Michigan about the allegations on October 18, 2023. The conference stated that it has notified the future opponents of the Wolverines, but they are not opposed to playing Michigan.
The NCAA is also investigating allegations of similar violations by the Wolverines before the 2022 season. US Integrity, which monitors the US sports betting market, alerted its sportsbook clients about the Michigan controversy on October 19, 2023.
During the offseason, many Big Ten coaches spoke in support of helmet communication to protect signs, but the NCAA had tabled rule changes until after the 2023 season.
Meanwhile, Michigan will play against Michigan State on October 21, 2023, and the NCAA investigation will have no impact on this game.
The University of Michigan has already imposed a three-game suspension on Harbaugh this season for allegedly violating recruiting laws during the pandemic and failing to cooperate with NCAA investigations.
