Network of coaches alleged to break Big Ten sign sharing rules in targeting Michigan
The investigation into Michigan’s alleged illegal on-site scouting and sign stealing is now joined by allegations that fellow Big Ten schools may have violated Big Ten rules in stealing and sharing U-M’s signs, the AP reports. Reports have surfaced, though without many details, that a former employee at a Big Ten football program said it was his job to steal signs, adding he was given details from multiple league schools to compile a spreadsheet of play-calling signals used by Michigan last year.
The AP reports the employee said he recently shared the documents, which showed the Wolverines’ signs and corresponding plays, as well as screenshots of text-message exchanges with staffers at other Big Ten schools, with Michigan. The spreadsheet was compiled with details from a handful of coaches and programs across the Big Ten, the person said. The AP added that the alleged actions by conference schools potentially violate the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy, which could lead to punishment by the commissioner’s office.
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Michigan has been under the microscope for weeks now, with the conference threatening unprecedented action if U-M doesn’t suspend head coach Jim Harbaugh, sources have told TheWolverine.com. Sunday night, those with knowledge said the conference and Michigan were at an impasse after hours of negotiations and that it seemed “headed for a long-term Harbaugh suspension” unless an injunction was filed in court allowing Harbaugh to continue to coach. U-M is willing to go that route at this point to protect the “due process” President Santa Ono requested of Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti in a letter obtained by TheWolverine.com.
While there have been conflicting reports about what the Big Ten asked of Michigan in Friday meetings — some suggested they requested a 2-game Harbaugh suspension — our sources with knowledge tell us they were “looking for an indefinite suspension” and wouldn’t have accepted two games. Some believe they could come back with that compromise, but said it’s 50-50 if Michigan would accept. U-M finishes the season at Penn State and Maryland before returning home to face Ohio State Nov. 25.
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As many have noted, sign stealing has been prevalent in the league and around college football for years. As reported earlier, Purdue coach Ryan Walters, one of the most outspoken Harbaugh critics, allegedly had people with knowledge of Michigan’s signals helping him in last year’s U-M game with Illinois, where he was then the Illini D.C. The signals were not obtained illegally, the source noted, but it’s another indication of the lengths to which coaches go to one-up one another.
Michigan reportedly shared this information with the Big Ten offices Friday during a meeting between the school’s administration and Big Ten commissioner.
Later Monday, Action Network’s Brett McMurphy reported Michigan has received notice of allegations from the Big Ten but not what penalties might be administered. As previously reported, U-M is prepared to fight any penalties in support of due process.
Watch TheWolverine.com for more on these and other developments in the hours and days to come.
