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Desmond Howard offers initial reaction to Michigan investigation
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Desmond Howard is weighing in with his initial thoughts pertaining to the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan on the allegations of in-person scouting of other teams and illicit sign stealing.
The NCAA is investigating low-level staffer Connor Stalions as one of the crucial culprits for the situation, and is requesting access to his computer, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
During a recent edition of Get Up, the ESPN analyst and former Wolverine was astonished to discover his alma violated a rule.
“The headline is more salacious than the content. That’s what I thought,” Howard said. “…We call that scouting. I didn’t even know that was a rule that you couldn’t go and watch a team play who you’re going to play against because that’s an NCAA rule. I had no idea.”
While 1 Big Ten coach compared this to the New England Patriots’ spy gate according to ESPN’s Heather Dinich, Howard is baffled at the situation.
“I was like does the NCAA think we’re back in the 70s when you just exchanged VHS tapes and then that’s how you see your opponent?” Howard said. “I was really blown away by that.”
On Thursday, Jim Harbaugh released a statement on the matter.
“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,” Harbaugh said in the statement.
In-state rival Michigan State considered not playing vs. Michigan in Week 8 before changing its mind.
Michigan at Michigan State is slated for a 7:30 p.m. EST kickoff on Saturday (NBC).
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.