Michigan football investigated for stealing signals
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh denied any knowledge or involvement in plotting to steal opponents' play-calling signals by sending representatives to their games and said he would fully cooperate with an NCAA investigation into the allegations against his program.
“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 Thursday in a statement. “I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action.”
The Big Ten also announced it had been informed of the investigation. But the conference provided no further details, only to say that it had notified Michigan's upcoming opponents.
The second-ranked Wolverines (7-0), who started their season with Harbaugh serving a university-imposed three-game suspension for a still unresolved NCAA infractions case, play at Michigan State on Saturday.
“I want to personally assure you that U-M Athletics will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said Thursday. “At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all members of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff, and student-athletes.”
The NCAA does not have rules specifically against stealing signs, but it does prohibit in-person advanced scouting of opponents and using electronic equipment to record an opponents' signals. There are also bylaws prohibiting unsportsmanlike or unethical activities.
The NCAA had no comment, and the conference offered little more.
NBA
Harden skips another Sixers practice
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden skipped practice Thursday for the second straight day, with the team officially saying the disgruntled player is away because of a personal matter.
“I think the organization has made it clear what's going on,” coach Nick Nurse said at the 76ers' New Jersey complex. “They're working on stuff, as we say, day by day. We had a really good practice today. Very energetic. The guys that were here, that's what we're focused on.”
Harden has yet to play in the preseason. He did attend training camp and continued to practice with the 76ers in the wake of his offseason trade demand. Harden said last week his fractured relationship with team president Daryl Morey could not be repaired — comparing it to a broken marriage — and said over the summer that he could not play for the 76ers.
Part of Harden's complaint stems from his belief he should have earned a long-term contract with the Sixers after last season. It never came, thus the trade demand.
• The New Orleans Pelicans have exercised a fourthyear option on wing player Trey Murphy and a thirdyear option on guard Dyson Daniels, securing both former first-round draft choices through the 202425 season.
• Terry Stotts' return to the league as a Milwaukee Bucks assistant has reached a sudden conclusion a week before the start of the season. Bucks coach Adrian Griffin confirmed Stotts' departure from Milwaukee's staff while speaking to reporters after a practice. Griffin declined to comment on the circumstances but said the move was Stotts' decision. ESPN first reported Stotts' departure.