If you’ve been busy in recent days, you might have missed – somehow – the fact that there’s an investigation into Michigan’s football program involving sign-stealing.
An analyst for Michigan named Connor Stallions is at the heart of the matter, having bought tickets at 11 games involving the Wolverines’ definite and potential opponents, even Alabama, in the Southeastern Conference.
The Washington Post presented a story Wednesday that an outside firm has given the NCAA reason to believe other Michigan coaches could be involved, which leads to the question, did Harbaugh know? And if so, when?
Harbaugh denied wrongdoing in a statement. “I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter,” he said, through the university. “I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed staff members or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment.”
Lots of people have weighed in on it, and coach Jim Harbaugh, everyone from Paul Finebaum to Colorado coach Deion Sanders.
And now, Bleacher Report has thrown its hat into the ring, and it’s a BIIIIIIIG sombrero.
Bleacherreport.com has a column today by Adam Kramer (As Controversy Surrounds Jim Harbaugh, His CFB Coaching Days Could Be Numbered) that is basically starting the countdown on Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan.
Kramer correctly points out and brings up that Harbaugh served a three-game suspension this very season, even though the Wolverines are flying high on the field (skeptics could say they’ve played an absolutely trash schedule, but anyway) where they’re ranked No. 2 in both the Associated Press and AFCA coaches poll.
Is Harbaugh the new ‘heavy’ in college football?
“Regardless of what further details are unearthed, Harbaugh has cemented himself as college football’s most polarizing figure,” Kramer wrote. “He didn’t need a signal-stealing controversy to obtain that crown, although it solidifies his status as enemy No. 1. And truth be told, he wears it well. …”
