The University of Michigan football team is under investigation by the NCAA for allegedly stealing signs, the school and the Big Ten Conference said on Thursday.
Unless electronic communication is intercepted during a game, the act of “sign-stealing,” or acquiring knowledge about the signs a team employs to designate offensive and defensive plays, isn’t legally against NCAA regulations. However, the rulebook expressly forbids in-person scouting.
In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, “Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.”
According to a statement issued by the Big Ten Conference on Thursday, the institution and the conference were both informed of the investigation on Wednesday.
The statement went on to say that the Big Ten Conference “considers the integrity of competition to be of the greatest significance & will continue to monitor the investigation.”
The Conference also stated that it has informed other potential opponents of the situation, including Michigan State University (MSU), the traditional adversary of Michigan who will play the Wolverines on Saturday.
Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Wolverines, disputed that the program had illegally stolen signals. He also stated that he and his coaching staff would fully cooperate with the investigation.
According to Harbaugh, “I do not condone or accept anyone doing anything illegal or against the NCAA rules.” “My instructions and understanding of how we scout opponents remain firmly within the rules, regardless of what program or organization I have led throughout my career.”
According to reports, the NCAA went to Michigan State University on Wednesday with what it called “credible evidence” that the Wolverines have been stealing signs from rival coaches this year.
Although the league chose not to comment on the specific probe, it did state that it “will continue working together with member schools and conferences on any potential problems that could impact fair competition.”
MSU football interim president Teresa Woodruff also issued a statement in reaction to the probe prior to Saturday’s match for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
“We share the Big Ten Conference’s commitment to integrity and we are appalled by the news of the NCAA investigation,” she stated. The NCAA’s procedures will be followed in handling the allegations, which are worrying.
“MSU has nothing additional to say about that. The university is concentrating on helping our own squad and preparing the campus for a secure environment on game day.