Maurice Clarett: 'There's far greater issues than hamburgers, sign-viewing and tattoos'

Stealing signs, especially in the way that many have reported was happening at Michigan, is against the rules for a reason. However, Maurice Clarett, the former Ohio State running back, has reminded everyone that we’re not necessarily looking at the bigger picture.

Clarett addressed the investigation that’s underway in Ann Arbor in a tweet on Sunday afternoon. It’s his belief that there are far more pressing problems in college athletics, especially when it comes to education, than some of the scandals that have come from the Wolverines and others as of late.

I always say that there’s far greater issues of concern than hamburgers, sign viewing, tattoos and all of the other silly things that are in place to keep college sports in its current state. If the NCAA wanted to tackle real issues it would be about the “education” most student…

— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) October 29, 2023

“I always say that there’s far greater issues of concern than hamburgers, sign viewing, tattoos and all of the other silly things that are in place to keep college sports in its current state,” wrote Clarett. “If the NCAA wanted to tackle real issues it would be about the “education” most student-athletes receive when on campus.”

It’s surprising to hear a former Buckeye come out in some sense of support for Michigan’s side in this matter. However, it’s not shocking when you consider Clarett’s role as a mentor which, inherently, points his attention to areas such as education.

Depending on what actually took place among all the reports, there’s likely some form of wrongdoing or violation that came from someone on Michigan’s staff. Even so, Clarett wants everyone to have the appropriate perspective on the matter based on what he believes is most important when it comes to college athletics.

Multiple AP Poll voters drop Michigan amid sign-stealing investigation

Michigan football didn’t play this weekend as they took their annual bye. Even so, some AP Poll voters moved the Wolverines in their ballots anyway.

In fact, several voters removed Michigan from the top spot on their ballot in the wake of the sign-stealing investigation. Ten AP Poll voters that had Michigan ranked No. 1 last week dropped the Wolverines from the top spot.

In total, 13 of 63 AP Poll voters moved Michigan down on their ballots this week.

On the whole, Michigan’s lowest vote was at No. 6. Only one voter had the Wolverines that low. Meanwhile, two voters had Michigan at No. 5 and three voters had Michigan at No. 4.

Michigan had 37 voters pencil in the program at No. 2, while 11 had the Wolverines at No. 3. The Wolverines still received nine first-place votes.

While the AP Poll doesn’t have any direct influence on who reaches the College Football Playoff, perceptions in the sport are important. They can have a small but meaningful influence on the actual College Football Playoff selection committee, which determines the all-important berths.

Michigan is one of the favorites to earn a third straight CFP appearance, sign-stealing investigation or not. They currently stand at 8-0 on the season with four games to go in November.