Insider rumblings on Michigan's forthcoming response
I did a morning scour of reputable insider posting on social media and the paywalled boards today. (Subscribe to those sites to read the exact content for yourself. It's worth it if you are obsessed with Signgate.) Here are some of the interesting nuggets:
- There is a rumor that video of Michigan practices was stolen and shared with Michigan's competitors. This is why, last offseason, Michigan erected a fence around its outdoor practice field. Michigan may have evidence of who stole the footage and shared it.
- Insiders say that Michigan has shared with the NCAA how common the practice of sign-stealing is, including Illinois' Ryan Walters having all of Michigan's signals in advance of last year's game, and "someone" allegedly sharing our signs with Purdue, via video, in advance of the B1G championship last year. As we know, sign-stealing is not inherently illegal, but sharing video might be.
- Isaiah Hole seems confident that Michigan is going to "strike back" in a way that is forceful and narrative-altering, but I will reserve judgment on that until we see what Michigan actually has.
- In my view, if the B1G hands down this absurd indefinite suspension, Michigan should make a show of considering a departure to the ACC (or, at the very least, adopting ND's approach of semi-ACC affiliation) by leaking that they are discussing it internally.
November 5th, 2023 at 8:19 PM ^
Or Indiana, or Iowa, or Northwestern or Little Brother…
November 5th, 2023 at 2:50 PM ^
Weird, *my* source in the BoR is saying, "Michigan’s administration and board of regents is having internal discussions to reevaluate whether the Big10 is still the proper fit."
November 5th, 2023 at 6:17 PM ^
The other schools would call that bluff and make them even more determined to increase punishment.
November 5th, 2023 at 2:41 PM ^
“Would take too much time”. Can’t let a silly thing like due process get in the way of a letting a mob administer its view of justice.
November 5th, 2023 at 11:25 AM ^
The most Pettiti can do without President vote, is two games. Anything more than that requires approval from the school presidents. So the indefinite thing is a worst case scenario.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:12 PM ^
I seriously doubt that the school presidents will do that. While ADs can act reckless, university presidents will certainly be more cautious and will stick to the standards of the due process.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:15 PM ^
If university presidents vote that way without considering what may come to light regarding their institutions they are probably in the wrong seat.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:30 PM ^
If the Big Ten presidents suspend Jim Harbaugh indefinitely based on accusations about some obscure football rule, then they have to suspend Ryan Day indefinitely based on accusations about being behind the illegal spying on a member institution.
If the Big Ten college presidents are that shocked about some low-level football rule that they didn't even know was a rule 2 weeks ago, then they have to be really shocked about member institutions spying on each other.
They need to apply the same standard if they are going down this road.
Or better yet, don't go down it.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:40 PM ^
Why do people keep saying accusations? It’s distinctly possible the big ten and ncaa have seen evidence that implicates the coaching staff. In fact that is apparently exactly what the meeting on Friday was. Michigan can and should argue about the technicalities of the process to preserve this season but the big ten doesn’t just have internet posts and ESPN reports.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:59 PM ^
Yeah, evidence from an OSU sponsored computer hack. It still has not shown exact proof that Stallions has shared his videos with the coaching staff. But how can you unravel legal ways of sign stealing and opposition play calling from available television and coaching video obtained legally over that of Stallions buddies trying to video sidelines with their iPhones.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:01 PM ^
Unlikely. If the NCAA had evidence implicating anyone other than Stalions they would have communicated that to the Michigan administration so UM could take immediate action.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:06 PM ^
The reporting coming out of that meeting was that they should have known which is hindsight nonsense. If the evidence is out there why hasn't it been leaked? Public outcry would reach fever pitch and force the Big Tens hand if there were emails that Minter or Harbaugh knew.
November 5th, 2023 at 2:17 PM ^
The best defense to that is you have to show you do everything you can to to follow the rules. This would include training new employees on regulations, having some kind of oversight, and proper communication from leadership on following rules and fair play. I bet Michigan is 100% compliant on the third of these and the first two should be the responsibility of the AD. If Michigan did all of these things and if Conner actually broke rules and hid it then the coach oversight rule should be satisfied. Because you can’t control a rogue employee that is breaking rules if he is hiding it well. You can only fire him/her once found out.
November 5th, 2023 at 2:23 PM ^
Bingo. Everything they have has already been leaked.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:16 PM ^
From what I’ve gleaned over the past two weeks, the only video evidence the B1G and/or the NCAA is likely to have is stadium footage of people videoing with phones in seats paid for by CS, along with the presumed video of CS on the CMU sidelines. Any other video, such as CS on UM’s sidelines making signs for the defense/offense can be seen on any sidelines of any teams of any games played throughout the season.
If either the B1G and/or the NCAA has video and audio showing that Harbaugh and the coaching staff actually knew about CS’ scheme to steal signs, my guess is it would have already dropped by now. Because it hasn’t, and because it’s unlikely to exist, the rush to judgment with a suspension for Harbaugh or worse is nothing more than mob mentality and should resist in serious hardball being played by UM. Up to and including leaving the B1G for good, along with some other threats and lawsuits flung about on the way out. Scorched earth, IMO.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:39 PM ^
I know it's not an actual legal process, but this whole thing has been a weeks long trial by an unscrupulous press with a gag order on the defendant and the jury comprised of the supposed victims.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:52 PM ^
I'm starting to understand what it likes to be a voter of a certain major political candidate. Feels like the world is out to get Harbaugh and the press has already made up their mind. Makes me want to pull for Harbaugh even more just as a giant middle finger to the NCAA and the press.
November 5th, 2023 at 5:33 PM ^
That parallel has not been lost on me. Very different people and circumstances, but I know what you’re saying.
November 5th, 2023 at 3:30 PM ^
And it goes directly to the sentencing phase once the prosecution has rested its case.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:18 PM ^
Stop trolling. Until it is proven, these are just allegations. Show us the proof that says Harbaugh knew about it. Don't bring up the BS argument about any staff doing it is on Head Coach. You seem to know that B1G doesn't just have allegations but proof that Harbaugh is involved. You will be the first person to break that news. Why don't you go ahead and break it.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:27 PM ^
I don't see Ono supporting Harbaugh in the way that he has, and then showing up at the game, if he was presented evidence that Harbaugh cheated.
November 5th, 2023 at 5:09 PM ^
I agree whole heartedly. I am sure that, by now, there has been an internal investigation and that the coaching staff has denied any knowledge of rule violations ... if they even exist.
Should any evidence subsequently show otherwise, expect a termination and not a suspension.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:28 PM ^
I would have agreed that was “distinctly possible” to fit this situation if it were not for the leaks which were given without context that would make Michigan look as bad as possible and timed to ensure any penalties hurt Michigan as badly as possible. If there were smoking guns, Pete Thamel and Pete Finebaum would be proudly waving them in our face.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:39 PM ^
It’s distinctly possible the big ten and ncaa have seen evidence that implicates the coaching staff.
A lot of things are distinctly possible.
On NBC pregame, when they discussed what the Big Ten coaches complained about to Petitti, all they said was that the other schools had proof that Stalions bought tickets and people sat in those seats with iPhones. They didn't reveal anything new that we haven't already heard, per the NBC report.
Why do people say "accusations"? Because the Big Ten hasn't done an investigation.
You used to stick to things that were well-founded (i.e., Stalions almost certainly facilitated in-person advanced scouting). But the last couple things I've seen from you have veered off into desperate grasping (e.g, if OSU was behind the PI investigation and leaks, what difference does it make, as though that wouldn't be a total embarrassment for OSU and potentially worse).
Y U hate so hard?
November 5th, 2023 at 2:05 PM ^
You just like being a contrarian. It's OK. I've been guilty of same here.
November 5th, 2023 at 2:59 PM ^
You don’t know that to be true, so stop posting speculation as fact. And pick a side, man. Your “hedging” has become more like “hating Michigan” in the last two weeks.
November 5th, 2023 at 3:34 PM ^
If you're so sure there's evidence to support the accusations, then tell us what that evidence is.
November 5th, 2023 at 9:50 PM ^
Then they should lay their cards on the fucking table and initiate a formal process. It seems like the reason that they haven’t actually provided formal notice of the allegations is because then they would be bound by procedures. Not this Mickey Mouse bullshit of operating without due process that they prefer.
The fact of the matter is that they are terrified that we will keep winning without our sign stealer and after everyone has changed their signs. Then it will be obvious that the whole thing is bullshit and the B1G are a bunch of whiny babies that are afraid to try and win on the field instead of the media.
November 6th, 2023 at 12:18 AM ^
This is just incorrect. If there was a Boogeyman other than Stalions, that is certain to have been leaked by now. All the leaks to date are specifically aimed at making this appear far more serious than it is. If Ohio State had anything better than "obvious rogue" as their smoking gun, we would all know it, and would have known it 10 days ago.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:06 PM ^
Regardless of the duration ... what kind of rationale can the Big Ten come up with for punishing a program without conducting its own investigation or letting the NCAA finish its own? Is Petitti really going to let member schools say "I don't like that guy, suspend him" and roll with it?
November 5th, 2023 at 12:24 PM ^
Exactly right
November 5th, 2023 at 12:26 PM ^
Member schools including OSU !! I believe OSU has too big of a voice in the big ten.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:39 PM ^
Gene Smith is retiring in June of 24, he doesn't care what happens...
November 5th, 2023 at 1:16 PM ^
He's just hoping Ryan Day doesn't fire him before that!
November 5th, 2023 at 6:34 PM ^
Gene Smith is retiring in June of 24, he doesn't care what happens...
More importantly, he won't have to deal with any negative consequences or increased scrutiny of Ohio State.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:28 PM ^
Member schools including OSU !! I believe OSU has too big of a voice in the big ten.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:43 PM ^
And way too much to gain from Michigan getting throttled with any kind of suspensions.
November 5th, 2023 at 5:42 PM ^
The NFL did with deflategate, but I agree with you, I don't see it happening in the B1G. I see some pathetic loser programs trying it, but I don't see it working.
November 5th, 2023 at 11:12 AM ^
I want scorched Earth at this point. This whole thing is bullshit.
November 5th, 2023 at 12:36 PM ^
At some point, and we are getting close, it is the only answer.
It is the only thing that is going to make overly-emotional people take a breath, sit back, and rationally ponder: "Do we really want to go down this head coach death-penalty path over something this minor?" Because now you've set a precedent that you have to live with.
November 5th, 2023 at 1:06 PM ^
It also launches en masse the age of oollege sports teams hiring PI firms to find dirt on their opponents
November 5th, 2023 at 9:41 PM ^
Not just PI firms, they could go hire a ransomware or APT gang and gain a massive competitive advantage (data) while also causing real damage to the target.
I hope that’s just silly thinking, but I can’t tell anymore. 🤷♀️
November 5th, 2023 at 3:15 PM ^
Yep, and exactly what the catalyst was to the down fall of other conferences. Another one is happening right now...see the PAC 2.
November 5th, 2023 at 2:04 PM ^
With the ways college football has changed these last couple of years, I really don't care if Michigan looks for greener pastures elsewhere. I think the B1G needs Michigan more than Michigan needs the B1G..... they will most certainly miss the truckloads of revenue.
November 5th, 2023 at 11:12 AM ^
GREAT if true - Thanks for sharing!
November 5th, 2023 at 11:13 AM ^
This is news I love. Hope it’s true. There is lots of smoke out there. Bring all of it.
November 5th, 2023 at 11:13 AM ^
- There is a rumor that video of Michigan practices was stolen and shared with Michigan's competitors. This is why, last offseason, Michigan erected a fence around its outdoor practice field. Michigan may have evidence of who stole the footage and shared it.
Fuck I don't care if it's true or not--let's get Dellenger to breathlessly report this shit with "sources."
November 5th, 2023 at 11:33 AM ^
Absafuckinglutely
November 5th, 2023 at 11:14 AM ^
This seems like a good spot to post this.
November 5th, 2023 at 11:33 AM ^
perfect. and may this sequel ALSO be better than the original