Harbaugh suspended after sign-stealing investigation
Every season, and in nearly every sport, there are cheating accusations thrown around. Whether true or not, the implication that a team may be doing something unethical or even against the rules can put a damper on their season and legacy. The biggest culprit in 2023 is none other than the Michigan Wolverines football team. More specifically, head coach Jim Harbaugh is the one taking the blame for the scandal.
The timeline of the scandal is rather hectic, as news quickly broke and immediate steps were taken. On Wednesday, Oct. 18 the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) informed Michigan that they were being investigated after numerous sign-stealing allegations. The following day—the team’s conference—the Big Ten released a statement confirming that the NCAA had begun an investigation. This news broke just a few days before the Wolverines were set to play their rival Michigan State Spartans on Saturday, Oct. 21. The Athletic reported that the Spartans had considered not playing against Michigan “out of concern for health and safety.” Despite their hesitation, they played the game and were demolished, losing 49-0.
Michigan State was not the only school to have questions regarding the legitimacy of the Wolverines’ game plan, though. When the Rutgers Scarlet Knights faced Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 23, they trailed by seven at halftime. During a brief interview with the Big Ten Network, Rutgers coach, Greg Schiano, said “There are some things going on that aren’t right as well, so we’ll talk about how to handle it.” It is important to note that Rutgers was in no way expected to win, or even have a chance. More importantly, Schiano vocalized his concerns long before there was any official news regarding sign-stealing, as their matchup took place in mid-September.
Sign-stealing is a legal act, but many factors can cross the line. For example, electronic devices may not be used to relay information to players, coaches, or any staff member. Programs are also prohibited from in-person scouting of opponents that they will be playing that season. NCAA bylaw 11.6.1 reads that “off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.” The rule is very clear as to what forms of scouting can, and can not, be done, yet Michigan appears to have violated the rules they have agreed to.
As the investigation continued, the Big Ten was pressured to make a ruling. The conference concluded that the best course of action was to suspend Harbaugh from the rest of the team’s 2023 regular season games. The Wolverines only had three games left on the schedule, one of which has since been played. Harbaugh is allowed at practices and team events, but may not be on the sidelines during the games.
Filling in at the head coach position is Sherrone Moore, Michigan’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. In his first game as the interim head coach, Moore led the Wolverines to a 24-15 victory over Penn State on Saturday, Nov. 11. Following the big win, Moore gave a powerful and expletive-ridden interview where he praised Harbaugh, claiming that they had won the game for him. He is presumed to be at the helm for their next two games against Maryland and Ohio State.
Press from Michigan State has stated that the team intends to obtain a court order to block the suspension. With one game already served and the next on Saturday, Nov. 18, it seems unlikely that Michigan will gain anything from this, given the time it takes for legal actions of this severity to come to full fruition. For now, it can be assumed that Harbaugh will return for any playoff or bowl games that the team may find itself in this season.
Before the conflict, Harbaugh’s return to Michigan in 2024 was not a guarantee, and it now seems even less likely. Many have speculated he will return to the National Football League, but many fans would not be surprised if teams are hesitant to get involved due to this scandal.
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