“The rules are implemented to uphold the integrity of the game and ensure a fair and level playing field for all.”
The fall season witnessed considerable controversy surrounding discussions of sign-stealing allegations against the Michigan Wolverines. While observing teams’ signals is not prohibited in college football, the focus was on an alleged scheme where analyst Connor Stalions coordinated off-campus scouting, which is banned under NCAA rules, with an apparent emphasis on obtaining those signs. This sparked extensive commentary and debate at the time, involving both media outlets and figures within the sport. Recently, Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith has joined the discussion, reigniting the debate.
To summarize, news of Stalions’ activities surfaced in October, following an ESPN report by Pete Thamel and Mark Schlabach. This led to the departure of Stalions from the program, the Big Ten suspending head coach Jim Harbaugh for three games (initially contested by Michigan, including threats to leave the conference, but ultimately accepted), and triggered a NCAA investigation into the allegations. While this investigation is ongoing, the Wolverines recently settled a separate case involving recruiting infractions. The resolution included probation, a fine, recruiting restrictions, and penalties for individual coaches.
The scandal sparked intense media discourse, including debates on whether the Wolverines should be banned from postseason play, discussions on sourcing and media bias, individual analyses of Harbaugh’s role, and more. However, the fervor subsided somewhat after Harbaugh returned from his suspension.
Michigan ultimately went on to win the national title. However, it seemed unlikely that any sign-stealing advantage played a significant role, given that their College Football Playoff opponents (Alabama and Washington) had ample time to adjust their signals before facing them. While there was some negative commentary following the title win and Harbaugh’s subsequent departure for the NFL before potential NCAA sanctions, there was not prominent discussion about stripping or asterisking their title.
Nevertheless, Ohio State’s Athletic Director Gene Smith recently called for an asterisk, particularly regarding Michigan’s wins over his school in the last three annual meetings. Without the 2023 win, Michigan’s playoff chances might have been jeopardized, or they might have been seeded lower in the playoff.
In a comprehensive interview with Anna Staver on central Ohio NPR affiliate WOSU, which is owned by the school, Gene Smith discussed his tenure as the Buckeyes’ Athletic Director since 2005. However, his remarks regarding the asterisk garnered attention. CBS Sports’ David Cobb provided coverage of this aspect of the interview.
Ohio State’s athletic director, Gene Smith, didn’t hold back when asked by central Ohio’s NPR affiliate whether he believes Michigan’s recent football victories over the Buckeyes should come with an “asterisk” due to the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal.
“Of course I do,” Smith responded, laughing during the “All Sides with Anna Staver” show. He reiterated his stance by saying, “Of course I do,” before elaborating on his perspective of the scandal, which cast a shadow over Michigan’s 2023 national title campaign.
“The rules are in place to protect the integrity of the game and to ensure a level playing field,” Smith explained. “When those rules are violated, it undermines those principles. We have to keep that in perspective.”
Indeed, when an athletic director suggests adding a literal asterisk to the record books, it doesn’t guarantee that such action will be taken. Moreover, it’s important to approach such statements with a grain of salt, especially when they come from the athletic director of Michigan’s most prominent rival. Ohio State itself has faced football scandals, notably beginning with a national championship season and involving allegations from key players like Maurice Clarett.
Additionally, discussions about asterisks and violations in college football, or in any sport, can quickly become complicated. Many schools have been found guilty of significant violations over the years, and there’s evidence to suggest that those caught may not be alone in their actions. This was evident in the recent return of Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy by the Heisman Trust.
Similar discussions have arisen in baseball regarding sign-stealing, both in the distant past and more recently. Allegations of Michigan’s scheme also brought up this issue. While the notion of “everyone’s doing it” may not be entirely provable, widespread rule violations do complicate arguments for adding asterisks, and revising historical records presents significant challenges.
Indeed, it’s important to consider the context of Smith’s comment. It was in response to a specific question rather than being unprompted, and his laughter may suggest a degree of lightheartedness. It’s possible that his remark was more about emphasizing the importance of following the rules rather than a serious call to alter the record books.
Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that this was an unusual statement from a sitting Athletic Director. Even though Smith’s tenure in the role is ending soon, his directness, as seen in other instances, is noteworthy. This comment has certainly reignited discussions surrounding the Michigan saga, adding further fuel to the ongoing debate.