NCAA investigating University of Michigan football program for sign stealing
(CBS DETROIT) - The NCAA is investigating the University of Michigan's football program for allegations of sign stealing.
The Big Ten Conference released a statement on Thursday, confirming the conference and Michigan were notified by the NCAA of the investigation.
"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 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."
A university spokesperson acknowledged the investigation and says the school is fully cooperating.
"The university has been notified by the NCAA, along with the Big Ten, that the NCAA is investigating allegations of play signal stealing by Michigan football," said University of Michigan spokesperson Kim Broekhuizen. "The university is fully cooperating with the Big Ten and NCAA. The investigation is ongoing and Saturday's game will continue as planned. At the University of Michigan, we are committed to the highest ethical and integrity standards for all members of our community."
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh served a three-game suspension at the beginning of the season as part of Michigan's self-imposed penalties for NCAA infractions.
Harbaugh recently the following statement on the investigation:
I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter.
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. I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action.
I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules. No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules.
Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place.
Second-ranked Michigan (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) is on the road at rival Michigan State (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten) Saturday. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.