Editor’s note: An earlier version of the story reported that the Big Ten was investigating and gathering evidence. The NCAA is investigating and drafting and alerting the conference.
The NCAA is investigating the University of Michigan football program over allegations of sign-stealing, the Big Ten announced Thursday.
“UM Athletics will offer its full cooperation to the NCAA in this matter,” athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement Thursday. “At the University of Michigan, we are all committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all members of our community. That is the same expectation I have for all coaches, staff and student-athletes.”
The Big Ten reached out to Michigan State on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s matchup between the rivals in East Lansing, saying it had been made aware of “credible evidence” suggesting the Wolverines have been successful in stealing signs this season , which were called by the coaches of the opposing teams.
According to an industry source briefed on the matter, the NCAA is investigating Michigan “for possible rule violations in in-person scouting of opponents.” Per NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, in-person off-campus scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited. A problem with the statute would mean a case that would likely go through the traditional violation process.
Manuel spoke with conference commissioner Tony Petitti on Wednesday. As of midday Thursday, Michigan had not yet been provided with evidence gathered as part of the investigation, according to a source briefed on the allegations.
A source briefed on the allegation said Michigan is accused of using a “vast network” to steal opposing teams’ signs. The alleged evidence appears to indicate that UM knew before the game what game the opposing team would be playing.
“The Big Ten Conference believes the integrity of competition is extremely important and will continue to monitor the investigation,” the league said in a statement Thursday.
When Michigan State learned of the pending investigation, it initially warned the Big Ten that it might consider not playing Saturday’s game out of concern for the health and safety of its players, according to two sources briefed on those conversations. On Thursday morning, MSU confirmed it would play the game. Michigan’s upcoming opponents have been informed of the allegations and the games are expected to go ahead as scheduled, an industry source said Thursday.
“As we look forward to this Saturday’s football game, we are saddened by the news of the NCAA investigation and we join in the Big Ten Conference’s commitment to integrity. The allegations are concerning but will be addressed through the NCAA’s processes. MSU has no further comment. The university is focused on supporting our own team and preparing the campus for a safe game day environment,” read a statement from Michigan State Interim President Teresa Woodruff.
Sign stealing is not prohibited by the NCAA unless a team intercepts in-game electronic communications. But it has a long history with decades of accusations and accusations in college football.
In 2020, Clemson was touted as the best sign-stealing program in college football. Before the 2020 Sugar Bowl, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables “always seems to know exactly what the other team is doing.”
Arizona State coach Todd Graham was accused of signal stealing by both Washington and Utah in 2015. At halftime of a game in 2014, Kansas State coach Bill Snyder accused Auburn of sign-stealing. A year earlier, Auburn was accused by Florida State of stealing signs in the BCS championship game. The list goes on.
The question facing Michigan is whether these recent allegations go beyond stealing signs on the field.
Michigan is currently under investigation by the NCAA for a series of Level II violations related to recruiting during a COVID dead period and statements made to NCAA investigators. Coach Jim Harbaugh was serving a three-game suspension imposed by the university.
— Nicole Auerbach and Austin Meek of The Athletic contributed to this report.
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(Photo by Jim Harbaugh: David Berding/Getty)