Harbaugh Claims No Knowledge of Sign-Stealing at Michigan
- Jim Harbaugh, the former Michigan football coach, denies having knowledge of a sign-stealing operation that led to an NCAA investigation.
- The investigation raised significant concerns regarding compliance with NCAA regulations.
- Harbaugh maintains that he has no reason to apologize, thus defending his reputation.
— Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh firmly denied any involvement in the impermissible scouting operation that has led to an NCAA investigation of his former Michigan program. Speaking to reporters after practice, Harbaugh emphasized his commitment to integrity, stating, “Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal,” and insisted he was unaware of the allegations against his team. He expressed that while no one is perfect, he has always encouraged accountability among his players. The NCAA is investigating serious allegations against Michigan, including impermissible scouting and sign-stealing, which could result in Level 1 violations against Harbaugh. The investigation centers on claims that staff member Connor Stalions sent individuals to record play signals from opposing teams to gain an unfair advantage during games. Michigan is anticipating a notice of allegations from the NCAA in the near future. Harbaugh's past with the NCAA includes a suspension for six games last season due to unrelated recruiting violations, which Michigan resolved in April, resulting in three years of probation for the program. The Big Ten has also taken action, suspending Harbaugh for the final three games of the 2023 regular season as a consequence of Michigan's violation of the conference's sportsmanship policy related to the sign-stealing investigation. As the situation unfolds, Harbaugh maintains his innocence and continues to advocate for ethical conduct in college athletics.