ANN ARBOR, Mich.–Michigan is in big trouble because of the sign-stealing fiasco.
From the stands at the Nov. 4 Michigan-Purdue game, you couldn’t tell they were stealing signs, but you could sure tell that JJ McCarthy was on his A game. He had 335 yards and no interceptions. Michigan won by so much that they benched him in the fourth quarter so he wouldn’t get injured.
The sign-stealing barely helped Michigan, and they would still be as dominant if they did not steal signs. McCarthy threw for no touchdowns because his running backs got 5 touchdowns in total.
Sign stealing is allowed as long as you don’t use electronics to relay the information to players or other teams. However, teams can’t send scouts to watch a future opponent within the same season.
Michigan stole signs by sending a low-level staff member named Connor Stalions to watch and videotape future opponents. They have proof of tickets being purchased under Stalion’s name.
According to Yahoo.com, two of Michigan’s opponents were concerned about Michigan stealing signs illegally. At the game against Purdue, the two coaches had a tussle because of the sign stealing.
It came out on Nov. 7 that Michigan sent its information to other colleges, including Purdue and Rutgers.
Michigan was punished Nov. 10: head coach Jim Harbaugh is not allowed to coach during games on the sideline, but he is allowed to coach his team during the week. This is a very weak punishment, just a slap on the wrist. Harbaugh is still allowed to coach his team, he just is not allowed to be at the game. He can easily just tell the interim head coach what to do, and nothing changes.
