NCAA President Charlie Baker has affirmed that the University of Michigan won the national championship “fair and square” and defended the decision to notify the school and the Big Ten Conference about an ongoing investigation into allegations of an in-person scouting and sign-stealing scheme during the football season. Michigan, ranked as the top team, secured the College Football Playoff title by defeating No. 2 Washington in a game that marked the culmination of a flawless season. However, the latter part of the season was overshadowed by an NCAA investigation, leading to a three-game suspension for Michigan’s head coach, Jim Harbaugh.
Speaking to reporters, Baker provided insight into the unusual decision to inform involved parties of the investigation back in October. According to Baker, the NCAA was approached by a third party claiming to possess evidence of a comprehensive and unusual sign-stealing scheme by Michigan. This third party was requested to present their evidence in person at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis as part of the vetting process. Baker emphasized that the evidence presented was compelling, prompting the NCAA to share initial information with the Big Ten and Michigan due to the potential impact on game outcomes.
Baker clarified that the decision to inform the parties involved was motivated by a desire to prevent any party, including Michigan, from being in a difficult position if the information surfaced publicly later on. He expressed confidence that the NCAA did not leak information to the media about the investigation. Despite the controversy, Baker believes that Michigan’s national title victory is legitimate, and the NCAA’s actions were justified.
The NCAA’s investigation into the sign-stealing allegations is expected to continue for several more months. Michigan has not yet received a formal notice of allegations from the NCAA, and once it does, the school will have 90 days to respond. A hearing in front of the infractions committee would then be scheduled.
Baker acknowledged ongoing discussions with the infractions committee to explore ways to expedite the investigation process. The uncertainty surrounding Jim Harbaugh’s future with Michigan adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Harbaugh, facing separate NCAA violations related to recruiting, has consistently denied any knowledge or involvement in impermissible scouting activities. Records from other Big Ten schools indicate that a former Michigan recruiting analyst, Connor Stalions, bought tickets to games involving future opponents, contributing to the sign-stealing allegations.
Baker refrained from speculating on a timeline for the Michigan case or whether the NCAA would share its findings with any NFL team interested in hiring Harbaugh. Michigan is already dealing with a separate NCAA case involving football recruiting infractions, and Harbaugh received a notice of allegations in that matter in December. The school imposed a three-game suspension on Harbaugh at the beginning of the season in an attempt to preemptively address potential penalties.
While Baker did not attend the College Football Playoff championship game, he emphasized that Michigan was “clearly the better team” and maintained that the decision to inform the parties involved about the investigation was crucial to addressing any potential impact on game outcomes.
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