What is ‘sign stealing’ and why is Michigan being investigated by the NCAA for it?
With the program’s coach already under intense scrutiny, this latest scenario only cements the idea that maybe not everything is above board in Michigan.
Should various accounts prove to be true, this could well be another blemish on the record of one of the nation’s top programs, and one that up until this point was widely regarded as respectable not just successful.
NCAA to investigate Michigan for illegal scouting
According to reports, Michigan is currently under an official NCAA investigation for allegedly scouting future opponents in an effort to steal signs. It is understood that two of the program’s rivals have indicated that they became aware that Michigan had made in-person visits which subsequently resulted in access to their signs. To make matters worse, Michigan State who is set to face off against the Wolverines in Week 8 has also alleged that Michigan conducted in-person scouting.
“Late Wednesday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference and University of Michigan were notified by the NCAA that the NCAA was investigating allegations of sign stealing by the University of Michigan football program,” the Big Ten said in a statement. “The Big Ten Conference has notified Michigan State University and future opponents. The Big Ten Conference considers the integrity of competition to be of utmost importance and will continue to monitor the investigation. The Conference will have no further comment at this time.”
Michigan responds to allegations
To the program’s credit, a statement was not long in being delivered with Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel vowing “complete cooperation” from the Wolverines athletic department in the NCAA’s investigation. “I want to personally assure you that U-M Athletics will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter,” Manuel said to the media. “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.”
OK, but what is ‘sign stealing?’
There are plenty of signs and signals used by all football teams to communicate specific plays and specific responsibilities. This brings us to NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which states: “Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.” Now, while that makes sense, it’s interesting to note that sign-stealing itself is not technically against the rules unless said signs and signals are recorded and subsequently used during games by coaches. Where Michigan is specifically concerned, it’s alleged that the Wolverines had individuals attend games of future opponents as well as College Football Playoff opponents in an effort to record and steal signs. Though one could argue that there is a lot of ‘grey’ in this situation, it’s not a good look.
The Wolverines aren’t doing their image any favors
Given what’s going on with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, there is no way to avoid the idea that this latest development only serves to bring into question the transparency of the program. Harbaugh as you may know was recently suspended for three games by Michigan for allegedly committing Level II NCAA violations in connection with impermissible recruiting and coaching during the covid-19 dead period. Further to that, the former San Francisco 49ers coach has also been accused of giving false or misleading information to the NCAA during its investigation. Most recently, Harbaugh negotiated a four-game suspension with the NCAA, however, the Committee on Infractions rejected his proposal. It is expected to go through the disciplinary process in the new year.