Michigan, Alabama’s opponent in the College Football Playoffs, has been mired in controversy this year. Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines was suspended for three weeks as a result of the sign-stealing controversy.
Head coach of the Crimson Tide Nick Saban was questioned on Monday over whether or not he intended to alter UA’s signs for the Rose Bowl game.
“Not really,” remarked Saban. “We always switch things up a little bit, but we don’t really care about any of that stuff; we’re just focused on what needs to be done to get good execution.”
In the Michigan controversy, former Wolverine employee Connor Stalions was accused of leading a plot to buy tickets to UM’s upcoming opponents’ games. Then, in attempt to steal signs, the stallion-affiliated groups would dispatch others to the games to record the sidelines on camera.
Even though it’s a prevalent practice in college football, using technological devices to steal signs is against the rules. Michigan made an initial legal attempt to contest Harbaugh’s ban, but ultimately gave up.
The 2021 SEC championship game between Alabama and Georgia was one of the games for which the Stalions are believed to have obtained tickets. In October, questions were raised over Saban’s response to the affair.
However, I am aware that there was a period in the past when I played in the NFL when you could send out scouts to observe a game, personnel, and other things of that nature. Although I don’t think it was intended for sign snatching, it was permitted. I believe they modified that rule a while ago. It’s been a very long time since we’ve had that at college.
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