The University of Michigan Wolverines find themselves entangled in a significant controversy that can disrupt their sensational undefeated start to the season.
Michigan faces allegations of engaging in proactive sign stealing by attending opponents' games to observe their sideline codes for play-calling.
Sign-stealing is not illegal
While stealing signs is not inherently illegal, the method employed can determine its legality. Sign stealing is permissible as long as electronic means are not used to relay information to players or coaches during games.
However, programs are prohibited from sending individuals to scout a future opponent in person within the same season. The ban on in-person scouting of opponents has been in effect since 1994.
In this case, Michigan's reported actions blatantly breach NCAA rules after Connor Stalions, an off-field analyst for the team, allegedly purchased tickets to road games at nearly every Big Ten conference opponent, along with four other schools not affiliated with the Big Ten but recognized as College Football Playoff contenders.
The NCAA confirmed on October 19 that they started investigating the matter.
Former Division III coach speaks out
Aside from attending games in person, Stalions also dedicated a significant portion of his time to deciphering opponents' signals, often analyzing television recordings of their games.
A former Division III coach revealed that he had been compensated with cash worth "a couple of hundred dollars" and Michigan football tickets for recording the Wolverines' upcoming opponents' signals in person.
Jim Harbaugh denies involvement
Meanwhile, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has asserted that he was unaware of any illicit sign-stealing activities within the staff.
Jim Harbaugh has released a statement saying that, while cooperative with the investigating, it’s not a practice he claims to be aware of. pic.twitter.com/ua91by67nm
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) October 19, 2023
Harbaugh also committed to fully cooperating with the NCAA in their investigation.
"I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against the NCAA rules. No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules," the team's head tactician said in a statement.
Connor Stalions refuses to cooperate
Stalions, the person of interest in the investigation, resigned from his post in the Michigan staff on November 3. Before the announcement, news outlets suggested he was fired instead.
According to reports, Stalions declined to cooperate with internal or external investigations and did not attend a scheduled hearing.
He communicated with his attorney that he would not participate in internal or external investigations.
Jim Harbaugh Suspended
On November 10, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti announced they suspended Harbaugh for the rest of the regular season.
This verdict means the 59-year-old will be absent from the Wolverines' upcoming game at Penn State on Saturday, November 11. Harbaugh will also be unavailable for their game at Maryland on November 18 and the highly anticipated showdown against Ohio State on November 25
Michigan has been found in violation of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy for engaging in an impermissible, in-person scouting operation spanning multiple years, resulting in an unfair competitive advantage and ultimately compromising the integrity of the competition.
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