McElwain, CMU and "The Sign Stealer Guy"...

[HelenaHandBasket]

As the late Jerry Tarkanian once put it, 9 out of 10 teams are cheating...and the other is in last place.

Of course, but sending the sign stealer guy on the sideline of another team to "scout" a future opponent's signs would be next level sh*t if true. That's pretty elaborate.

If only Michigan would have banged on trash cans to signal the defense.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

Of course, but sending the sign stealer guy on the sideline of another team to "scout" a future opponent's signs would be next level sh*t if true. That's pretty elaborate.

If only Michigan would have banged on trash cans to signal the defense.

:lol: Exactly what came to mind. I almost mentioned my least favorite professional sports team. In all honesty, I believe the NCAA should just allow helmet communication for QBs and designated defensive players. The PitchCom got rid of a bunch of sign stealing in the MLB (it appears).

 

[3-7-77]

Looks like, one way or another, this is going to court. Lawyers motions, counter motions, locomotions, let the process play out. Play the clock. Sound familiar? Michigan is sniffin' a NC, and may get it, only to have it vacated down the road.

 

[3-7-77]

Big Ten says three game suspension, starting NOW.

 

[IdaGriz01]

Big Ten says three game suspension, starting NOW.

That's just spite against Harbaugh, IMO.

BTW: Here are a couple points about what the NCAA rules say in this matter.
"Sign stealing" is not against the rules, all by itself. In fact, many people contend that in-game sign stealing goes on all the time. Some are more serious about it, and – of course – are better at it. No one really knows how much difference it really makes, but coaches feel the need to try, to combat today's hurry-up, no-huddle offenses. FWIW: NCAA rules do prohibit a team from electronically recording the other team's signals during the game.

The actual NCAA infraction is advance, in-person scouting of the opposition ... whether the scout tries to get the signs "down pat" or not. You know why the NCAA banned that? Because not every program could afford the cost, and that would give the big-$$$ teams an unfair advantage. Nothing to do with "sportsmanship." I'd guess they used the same excuse to pass the rule against electronic recording (above) ... an unfair advantage over teams that can't afford it. Anyway you look at, saying the Michigan problem is just about "sign stealing" is a smoke screen.

I cannot imagine that any program that wants to be competitive at the highest level does not have a complete video library of all their opponents' games for the current season (and almost certainly previous years too). How else could they chart tendencies, etc? Just a passing thought: How much, for a crucial rivalry game, would they pay for the complete stock from the broadcaster, including all the footage that didn't make it on air?

 

[3-7-77]

This whole dog and pony show is priceless. I've read a bunch of articles about this whole mess, systemic cheating rampant, and not just the Big Ten. Implied threats to out other schools/coaches for known transgressions as retaliation if THIS can of worms is opened, the possibility of Michigan leaving the Big Ten, and, of course legal actions.
Michigan can't claim they thought Harbaugh was a choir boy when they hired him. We all know the NCAA is a joke, so waiting for them to 'investigate' is a ruse. This will be entertaining to watch. Fodder for the off season.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Well, Harbaugh agreed to his 3-game suspension and the NCAA dropped their investigation.

Looks like Jimmy McElwain is in the clear...

 

[3-7-77]

What is your source? Big Ten dropped their investigation when Harbaugh/Michigan accepted the 3game suspension. NCAA 'investigation' continues.

 

[AZGrizFan]

What is your source? Big Ten dropped their investigation when Harbaugh/Michigan accepted the 3game suspension. NCAA 'investigation' continues.

Ah. I mistook the Big10 investigation with the NCAA investigation…

 

[3-7-77]

:thumb:

 

[Downwiththefoe]

Just wait for it.

After a lengthy investigation that will play out after this playoff season, the NCAA will find infractions and be so mad that punish Montana with a playoff ban and loss of scholarships.

The NCAA justice system is similar to the criminal justice system. You get as much justice as you can afford. Michigan can afford it.

IS this sarcasm or is there some tie to Montana (reading this sign stealing fiasco)?