Jim Harbaugh issues statement on Michigan cheating allegations

“I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment,” Harbaugh said in the statement. “I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action.”

The NCAA is investigating claims that Michigan sent individuals to scout future opponents to try and decipher the signs they use to call plays. Stealing signals is not illegal, but in-person advance scouting is against NCAA rules.

Some of Michigan’s opponents suspected that the Wolverines had their signals during games this season, and one opposing head coach may have even alluded to it during a halftime interview.

Harbaugh has already been in hot water with the NCAA over allegations that he lied to investigators during an investigation into minor recruiting violations. The coach served a school-imposed suspension at the start of the season regarding that matter, though he could still face further NCAA discipline in the future.