The number one question on the University of Michigan campus this week: What’s your sign?
Well, ok, that’s not very funny.
The Wolverines’ football program is being investigated by the NCAA – which these days is a little like saying they’re being investigated by the Fun Police – for allegations of stealing opposing teams’ signs.
The university released a statement on Thursday.
“I want to personally assure you that U-M Athletics will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter,” athletic director Warde Manuel said. “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.”
The Big 10 Conference also released a statement.
“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 Thursday statement said. “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.”
Apparently, this isn’t the first time the Wolverines under coach Jim Harbaugh have been accused of such: there were allegations last season, as well. Yahoo Sports (Sources: NCAA investigating Michigan football for alleged rule violations related to sign stealing) cites this NCAA rule: Bylaw 11.6.1: “Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.”
A source told ESPN that the NCAA is looking into in-person scouting.
Harbaugh already missed the first four games of this season for violations.
The Wolverines (7-0), ranked second in both the Associated Press and the USA Today / AFCA Coaches polls, plays at Michigan State on Saturday.
