Jim Harbaugh’s attorney comments on allegations of sign stealing

Jim Harbaugh cannot seem to stay out of the crosshairs of the NCAA. After serving a self-imposed 3-game suspension related to a separate NCAA investigation, the head coach found himself and his Michigan program once again under a new investigation.

As of Thursday morning, reports began rolling out that the NCAA was investigating the Wolverines on allegations of a sign-stealing system within the program. Sign stealing itself is not prohibited but the use of technology to steal signs and in-person scouting of future opponents is prohibited.

The Big Ten has confirmed that such an investigation is ongoing, and Michigan AD Warde Manuel has pledged the full cooperation of the university in the matter. Now, Tom Mars — Harbaugh’s attorney — has addressed the allegations.

In comments obtained by Dan Wetzel with Yahoo Sports, Mars said he has talked about the reports with Harbaugh. Mars indicated the head coach is unable to make a public statement on an ongoing investigation but expects Harbaugh would “deny any knowledge” of the things that have been reported if able to.

Jim Harbaugh’s attorney, Tom Mars, on news of the sign stealing investigation.

“I’ve spoken to Coach Harbaugh about what we’ve read in the sports news and if NCAA rules allowed him to make a public statement I am sure he would deny having any knowledge of what was reported.”

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) October 19, 2023

At the end of the day, those comments do not say much of anything, but that’s to be expected in investigations like these.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.