NCAA takes notable step in Michigan sign-stealing investigation

The NCAA on Thursday took another significant step in the escalating investigation into allegations of illegal sign stealing within the Michigan football program.

NCAA investigators were in Ann Arbor Thursday and interviewed members of coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff about the allegations, according to Larry Lage of the Associated Press. ESPN’s Pete Thamel had also reported that investigators were on campus Thursday just a week after the formal launch of the investigation, which he suggested is a sign of how much priority the NCAA is placing on the case.

Investigators are likely trying to find out how much other staffers knew of the alleged operation, which is said to have been led by suspended staffer Connor Stalions. While nothing has directly linked Harbaugh to the scheme, one report suggested there was a travel schedule and money budgeted for sign-stealing trips, which would certainly suggest this was not an isolated operation.

Stalions and the Wolverines are accused of using illegal means to obtain opponents’ signs, including in-person scouting and using electronic devices to record rival sidelines. Harbaugh has denied having any knowledge of the alleged scheme.