Michigan Coaches Interviewed by NCAA as Sign-Stealing Probe Progresses
The NCAA has sent investigators to speak with Michigan coaches about the program’s alleged sign-stealing scheme, according to multiple reports. Larry Lage of the Associated Press first reported the development, which subsequently was confirmed by Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic.
The NCAA opened the investigation earlier this month, and it now has escalated to the point where it began interviewing Wolverines coaches Thursday. Up to this point, the investigation has centered around low-level staffer Connor Stalions, whom the program suspended a day after the investigation became public.
Stalions allegedly went to scout Michigan’s future opponents in person to determine their coaches’ signals, an action that is illegal in college football. The analyst, who attended the Naval Academy, reportedly adopted military techniques to decode opponent’s signals.
Harbaugh released a statement last week saying that he will cooperate with the investigation fully and denying any knowledge of sign-stealing within his program.
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“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. “I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action.”
The NCAA also has been in Ann Arbor this week to search the electronic devices of football staff members, according to Angelique S. Chengelis of The Detroit News. Investigators primarily are looking for connections between coaches and Stalions in regard to the alleged sign-stealing scheme.