The NCAA is investigating Michigan’s football program amid alleged rule violations relating to sign-stealing, the Big Ten Conference announced Thursday.
Michigan and the Big Ten were both notified by the NCAA of the probe on Wednesday. The conference said in a statement that it notified the remaining opponents on the schedule for the second-ranked Wolverines (7-0, 4-0), including Saturday’s foe Michigan State (2-4, 0-3).
“The Big Ten Conference considers the integrity of competition to be of utmost importance and will continue to monitor the investigation,” it said in a statement.
Late Thursday night, ESPN reported that Michigan football analyst Connor Stalions is a “person of interest” as one of the key figures in the NCAA investigation. The NCAA reportedly wants access to the computer used by Stalions, a military veteran.
Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh denied having any role in the alleged cheating scheme.
“I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment,” Harbaugh said in a statement.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said his department will “offer its complete cooperation” to the NCAA.
“At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all members of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff, and student-athletes.”
A Michigan spokesperson also released a statement.
“The university is fully cooperating with the Big Ten and NCAA,” the spokesperson said. “… At the University of Michigan, we are committed to the highest ethical and integrity standards for all members of our community.”
The Athletic reported that Michigan State told the conference it would consider not playing Michigan “out of concern for health and safety” for players. The Spartans confirmed Thursday that they will take the field Saturday.
Yahoo Sports reported that two of Michigan’s opponents became aware that the Wolverines knew their play signs. The Detroit Free Press said Michigan allegedly sent “scouts” to attend games to gather information on the signs opponents use for specific play calls.
Scouting opponents is not illegal in the eyes of the NCAA, albeit with one major exception. NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1 reads as follows: “Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.”
Harbaugh served a university-imposed three-game suspension to start the season for alleged Level II NCAA violations related to impermissible recruiting and coaching during the COVID-19 dead period.
