Bruce Feldman gives Michigan sign-stealing update: ‘This looks very damning for the Wolverines’
The investigation into Michigan and Connor Stalions — the now suspended Wolverine staffer who has been held responsible for the alleged sign-stealing accusations that the NCAA is now investigating — is ramping up.
Now, the NCAA has made its way to Ann Arbor to begin interviewing Wolverine staffers on the matter. According to Bruce Feldman’s sources, this is a terrible look for Michigan, who has a legitimate shot at winning the national championship this season.
“Over the past week, I’ve interviewed over 30 coaches around the country,” Feldman said on Big Noon Kickoff. “Almost all of them believe — if the information is accurate as it’s been laid out publicly — this looks very damning for the Wolverines. A group of five head coach told me yesterday that he is just baffled that they left such a paper trail in this. Quote, ‘In some ways, they should be held accountable for their sheer stupidity.’ That’s how bad this looks for the Wolverines right now.”
The Wolverines are on their bye week, but they’re still making headlines this week. Report after report on specifics regarding accusations toward Michigan have come out in droves — and it seems as if it’s only a matter of time before the NCAA comes to a final decision.
“The Washington Post reported that an outside investigative firm had tipped off the NCAA about it having records that Michigan planned to send scouts to 40-plus games involving 10 of their opponents,” Feldman continued. “It also provided photos of the NCAA to the people they believe acted as scouts for the Wolverines. The timetable for this investigation is the big unknown.
“It seems like the NCAA is trying to move faster than the usual glacial pace that it typically operates at. The Big Ten does have leeway to oppose discipline before the NCAA wraps up its investigation.”
Over the last several seasons, Michigan has been one of the premier football programs in the country. Defeating Ohio State two straight seasons and finding their place in the College Football Playoff in both years — to a lot of fans, and apparently coaches alike — their success can be tied directly to the sign-stealing allegations.
The general consensus opinion is that this case won’t have any effect on Michigan’s current season, which means they could still win a national championship despite the investigation. Given that the NCAA is already poking its nose around Ann Arbor — it could come much quicker than expected.