Michigan is in some serious hot water with the NCAA over evidence that indicates they were illegally stealing signs, but one prominent head coach does not seem bothered by the scandal.
Deion Sanders was asked on Tuesday about the allegations that Michigan routinely violated NCAA rules by scouting future opponents in-person. The Colorado coach made it clear that he does not think the Wolverines would have gained a significant advantage from whatever it is they did.
“I mean, everyone’s trying to get an edge. Everyone’s trying to get whatever edge they can. You could have someone’s whole game plan. They could mail it to you. You’ve still gotta stop it,” Sanders said. “In football it’s not as pronounced as baseball. If I know a curve ball is coming, I got you. With football, I don’t give a darn if you know a sweep is coming, you still gotta stop it. It’s a physical game. You gotta stop it. So, that’s a little tough.”
Sanders said there were plenty of instances back when he played in the NFL where defenses knew exactly what the offense was going to do, but it made no difference.
“I don’t buy into all of that stuff that someone’s stealing this, stealing that. You still gotta play the game,” Sanders added. “Back in our glory days with San Francisco as well as the Cowboys, you knew darn well Emmitt Smith was getting the ball. You know darn well (Michael) Irvin is running the cut back (route). You know darn well Jay Novacek is gonna do what he’s gonna do, and you couldn’t stop it. It is what it is.”
The evidence against Michigan is quite damning. Jim Harbaugh is said to have one employee on his staff whose sole job is trying to steal opponents’ signs, though the head coach has denied having any knowledge of illegal activity. The staffer, Conor Stalions, is accused of purchasing tickets to several Big Ten games and having people record coaches giving signals on the sidelines. You can read more details here.
Sanders may not think the alleged activity is a big deal, but it sounds like there are plenty of people within the Big Ten who are furious with Michigan.
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