Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy clarifies remarks made about Ohio State’s sign-stealing.
This week, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy claimed that Ohio State and “80%” other teams steal signs, forcing the Wolverines to “modify” in order to level the playing field. Considering what happened at Michigan after Big Ten coach Jim Harbaugh was penalized three games for breaking the league’s sportsmanship policy, those comments went viral.
McCarthy provided more context for those remarks on Wednesday night.
Not upping our opportunity to win by stealing (other teams’) signs, but by protecting our own,’ he told me, explaining that it’s about leveling the playing field and how Michigan is “forced to disguise and camouflage our signs…,” something he said the team has needed to do during his three years at Michigan, according to ESPN’s Marty Smith. I questioned him about whether this is a diversion before the most important game of their lives. Although he claimed it doesn’t concern him in the slightest, he nevertheless wants to make sure the team isn’t distracted by it.
While there is nothing intrinsically wrong with researching future opponents or sign-stealing, there are some practices that are prohibited, such as Michigan’s purported in-person reconnaissance and capturing play-calling signals.
It’s been there for years, McCarthy claimed earlier this week. “We actually had to adjust because Ohio State was lawfully taking our signage in 2020 or 2019.” We needed to even the playing field and raise ourselves to their level.”
McCarthy expressed his displeasure that the sign-stealing controversy eclipsed the effort that he, his coaches, and teammates put into practicing for every game.
McCarthy remarked, “I just feel like it sucks because we do work our butts off.” “We do watch a lot of movies, search for those subtle patterns, and focus for ten to fifteen minutes on a single clip. You could argue that it’s all sign theft, but there are many other factors at work as well as many things that are hidden. Many efforts are hidden simply because of the public’s misconception about what sign stealing entails.”
Upon his return from a three-game ban, Harbaugh refuted any knowledge of sign stealing during Michigan’s Big Ten Championship Game victory over Iowa last month.
In a statement, Harbaugh claimed, “I have no knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally collecting signals.” “I haven’t given any staff members or anybody else instructions to take part in an off-campus scouting project either. I am not aware of any member of our team having directed or carried out that action.”
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The alleged head of Michigan’s scouting operation, Connor Stalions, is an ex-staff member. It is possible that this operation broke an NCAA rule that forbade in-person scouting of potential opponents. His computer was granted access by NCAA investigators, who are currently looking for proof of misconduct.
