NCAA on Michigan campus signaling escalation in sign-stealing investigation
The NCAA is working to get to the bottom of the Michigan sign-stealing scandal, which is currently at the forefront of the college football world.
Chris Balas of On3 reported on The Wolverine message board that as of Thursday morning, the NCAA is in Ann Arbor and working on the case.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel noted Thursday afternoon that the NCAA has been on campus at Michigan this week, “to look into the sign-stealing probe.”
Thamel added that the “arrival on campus just a week after the investigation formally launched is an indication of the priority the case has taken.”
The NCAA typically is known as an organization that works slowly to resolve cases. It seems that the Michigan sign-stealing scandal could be resolved much quicker than most cases are.
The NCAA is looking into allegations that Michigan took part in in-person scouting and used video recording to steal signals from upcoming opponents.
Michigan staff member Connor Stalions, who is reportedly at the center of the NCAA investigation, bought tickets for more than 30 Big Ten games over the past three seasons, according to Thamel.
Stalions would reportedly send people out to scout games and record video of future opponents, then would use that information to learn opponents’ signals.
CJ Stroud addresses Michigan sign-stealing scandal: ‘We had an idea … that stuff was going on’
Former Ohio State quarterback and current Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud was asked about the Michigan sign-stealing accusations earlier this week.
The Wolverines reportedly had an elaborate scheme to scout opponents in person in order to steal signs.
Multiple schools were apparently aware that this was taking place, including Ohio State.
Stroud acknowledged earlier this week that Ohio State was aware that Michigan might have its signs.
“We had an idea on maybe if that stuff was going on, but at the end of the day, it is what it is,” Stroud said. “I’m not here to go back and forth with that. I’m a Texan now and it is what it is. I’m not tripping off that.”
Michigan beat Ohio State 45-23 in last year’s game. The Wolverines dominated the battle of the unbeatens, outscoring Ohio State 28-3 in the second half.
CJ Stroud was understandably frustrated with the way the game played out, but he’s moved past that now.
“I’m not that type of person to go back and be like, ‘Ah, they did that.’ They beat us. It is what it is,” Stroud said. “I’m not super happy with that, but like man, I’m in the NFL now. I’m not worried about what happened in college.”
CJ Stroud and the Texans are currently 3-3 heading into Sunday’s game against the Panthers. The rookie has thrown for 1,660 yards and nine touchdowns, with one interception, so far this year.