Michigan's Jim Harbaugh Issues Statement on NCAA's Sign-Stealing Investigation

On Thursday No. 2 Michigan came under fire for allegedly stealing its opponents' signs. Hours after the allegations became public, Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh has denied wrongdoing in a statement.

"I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter," Harbaugh said in a statement released by the Michigan athletic department. "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. I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action."

Harbaugh further insisted that the Wolverines' scouting practices have always been above board, and declined to comment while the investigation was in progress.

The Big Ten issued a statement Thursday afternoon announcing that the league had received notification from the NCAA of its investigation, adding that it had informed Michigan State — Michigan's next opponent.

Scouting opponents in person has been illegal under NCAA rules since 1994, although no prohibition exists on stealing opponents' signs in-game.