Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh Releases Statement On Sign-Stealing Allegations
Michigan Wolverines football coach Jim Harbaugh released a statement Thursday afternoon, denying any knowledge or involvement in plotting to steal opponents' play-calling signals by sending representatives to their games.
Harbaugh also stated he would fully cooperate with an NCAA investigation into the allegations against the program moving forward.
"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 the statement.
On Thursday, Yahoo Sports reported that the No. 2 Wolverines allegedly had people attending games of future opponents to gather information on signs used to call plays on offense and defense. Per the report, the program also was sending people to games against opponents it could meet in the College Football Playoff should Michigan claim one of the four spots.
According to a report by Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde, one staffer on a program the Wolverines would face at a later date stated they had an "inclination" that Michigan was sending scouts to find video signaling.
If true, Michigan would have broken NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which states: "Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited." Both the University of Michigan and the Big Ten were notified by the NCAA of the investigation Wednesday. Per a statement released by the conference, future opponents for the Wolverines have been notified as well.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, Ill.
USA Today-Sports
The Wolverines (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) are scheduled to face Michigan State on Saturday at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
"We are chagrined by the news of the NCAA investigation and we echo the Big Ten Conference's commitment to integrity," Michigan State University interim president Teresa Woodruff said in a statement. "The allegations are concerning, but will be handled through the NCAA's processes."
Harbaugh, who's looking to claim his third Big Ten title and appearance in the College Football Playoff, also released a statement he had no awareness of anyone on his staff scouting opponents to find signals prior to their game.
"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," Harbaugh said.
Earlier this season, Harbaugh served a university-imposed three-game suspension due to alleged recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period and for not cooperating with NCAA investigators.
Michigan still faces four Level II violations from those alleged violations in 2020, though none are considered severe. The final ruling from the NCAA is not expected until 2024.
The Wolverines face No. 3 Ohio State in Michigan Stadium to close out the 2023 season on Nov. 25.
