Harbaugh ‘shocked’ by NCAA sign-stealing probe

Oct 19, 2023, 01:02 PM ET

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh denied any understanding or participation in outlining to take opponents’ play-calling signals by sending representatives to their games and said he would totally work together with an NCAA examination into the allegations against his program.

“I do not have any knowledge or details concerning the University of Michigan football program unlawfully taking signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting task,” Harbaugh said in a statement.Harbaugh said he and his personnel would”totally comply with the investigation”which he does not” condone or tolerate anyone doing anything unlawful or versus NCAA rules.”According to a report by Yahoo Sports on

Thursday, No. 2 Michigan apparently had people participating in games of future challengers along with possible College Football Playoff challengers to collect details on indications used to call plays on offense and defense.Harbaugh’s attorney, Tom Mars, told ESPN that the coach “was simply as stunned as anyone else”about the investigation.A source confirmed to ESPN that in-person hunting is the focus of the NCAA investigation.If real, the Wolverines would have violated NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which states:”Off-campus, in-person hunting of future opponents(

in the exact same season )is prohibited.””I wish to personally assure you that U-M Athletics will use its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter,”athletic director Warde Manuel stated in a declaration. “At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the greatest requirements of principles and stability for all members of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff, and student-athletes.”The University of Michigan and the Big Ten were both alerted by the NCAA of the examination Wednesday, and the conference stated it had

notified the Wolverines’future opponents. “The Huge 10 Conference thinks about the stability of competition to be of utmost importance and will continue to keep an eye on the investigation, “it stated in a

statement.A source told ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg that the NCAA’s investigation also consists of claims of similar offenses by Michigan before the 2022 season. Upcoming opponents have actually not expressed opposition to playing Michigan after being informed by the NCAA, sources told ESPN.”I have no awareness of anyone on our personnel having done that or having actually directed that action,”Harbaugh said in his statement.”… No matter what program or company that I have actually led throughout my profession, my directions

and awareness of how we hunt challengers have always been strongly within the guidelines.” The NCAA, which stated it would not discuss the investigation, does not have rules specifically versus stealing signs but does restrict in-person advance searching of opponents and has laws forbiding unsportsmanlike activities.Editor’s Picks

2 Associated U.S. Stability, a Las Vegas company that monitors the wagering market, sent an alert to its sportsbook clients concerning the Michigan controversy Thursday, ESPN confirmed.Multiple Big 10 coaches this offseason were supporters of exploring helmet communication as a way to usually

better safeguard signs,

a source told ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Prospective NCAA guideline changes, however, were tabled till after this season.The NFL has actually long utilized helmet communication for signals, with the first variation restricted to sideline

communication in 1994. Michigan( 7-0)plays Michigan State on Saturday.”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 stated in a

declaration.” The accusations are worrying, however will be handled through the NCAA’s procedures.”In its statement, Michigan said the examination would not impact the

game.Harbaugh has actually already served a university-imposed three-game suspension this season originating from alleged recruiting infractions during the COVID-19 dead period and for not cooperating with NCAA investigators.Michigan still is facing 4 Level II violations, which are considered less major, from those alleged offenses. That judgment from the NCAA is not anticipated until 2024. ESPN’s David Purdum and The Associated Press

added to this report.