NCAA investigating Michigan football amid sign-stealing allegations

What a silly act> Michigan player slapped coach………..

The NCAA is investigating the University of Michigan football program amid allegations of sign-stealing, the Big Ten announced Thursday.

“U-M Athletics will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter,” athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement Thursday. “At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all members of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff, and student-athletes.”

The Big Ten approached Michigan State on Wednesday, ahead of this weekend’s matchup between the rivals in East Lansing, saying it’s been made aware of “credible evidence” that exists suggesting the Wolverines have successfully stolen signs called by opposing teams’ coaches this season.

The NCAA is investigating Michigan “over possible rule-breaking around in-person scouting of opponents,” according to an industry source briefed on the matter. According to NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited. An issue with the bylaw would mean a case that would likely proceed through the traditional infractions process.

Manuel spoke with conference commissioner Tony Petitti on Wednesday. According to a source briefed on the allegations, as of noon Thursday, Michigan had yet to be presented with the evidence compiled in the investigation.

One source who was briefed on the allegation said Michigan is being accused of using a “vast network” to steal opposing teams’ signs. The alleged evidence appears to suggest UM had knowledge of what play an opposing team was going to run before the play occurs.

“The Big Ten Conference considers the integrity of competition to be of utmost importance and will continue to monitor the investigation,” the league said in a statement Thursday.

Upon learning of the pending investigation, Michigan State initially warned the Big Ten it might consider not playing Saturday’s game out of concern for health and safety for its players, according to two sources briefed on those conversation