Joel Klatt on allegations against Michigan: 'Allow the investigation to run its course'
Just two days after reports surfaced about another NCAA investigation into Michigan — this time, around sign-stealing rules — details have come to light. ESPN reported an analyst was at the center of the inquiry, and the Wolverines announced his suspension on Friday.
As fans try to figure out what to make of the situation, FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt called for caution and said to let things play out.
Klatt addressed the situation during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game between Penn State and Ohio State, both of which are on Michigan’s schedule. UM is accused of scouting future opponents in-person, which violates a nearly 30-year-old NCAA rule, and stealing signs in the process. Analyst Connor Stalions has been suspended pending the results of the investigation.
According to Klatt, the big question is whether Michigan broke that rule. Depending on the answer, the situation becomes clearer. Until then, though, he said it’s best to let the investigation proceed as necessary.
“Well, it’s pretty clear,” Klatt told Gus Johnson. “If they advance scout in-person, that’s illegal, they’ll be punished. And the investigation should figure that out. If they did not, then they won’t be punished. But at this point, all you can do is allow the investigation to run its course, and I think that’s what all of us should do because this is — the ramifications of what’s being alleged are quite serious and more overreaching than just wins and losses.”
The Big Ten publicly confirmed the investigation on Thursday and said it forewarned Michigan’s future opponents their signs might have been compromised. Coach Jim Harbaugh released a statement of his own denying knowledge of the allegations, but he said the program will cooperate with the investigation.
“I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter,” Harbaugh said. “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. I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules.
“No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules. Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place.”
The big question is now what’s next for Harbaugh. He flirted with a possible return to the NFL the last two offseasons and Michigan was preparing to offer him a major contract extension. Those conversations are on hold, according to a report from The Athletic, in light of the investigation.
This is the second time this year Harbaugh is at the center of an NCAA inquiry. The first one came over the summer when a possible suspension was floated as a result of recruiting violations. Harbaugh served a self-imposed three-game ban to start the season. Now facing another investigation, NFL rumors are swirling once again, per The Athletic.