Colorado coach Deion Sanders downplayed the effect sign stealing can have on a college football game during his weekly press conference Tuesday. His remarks come as No. 2 Michigan is embroiled in an NCAA investigation over allegations that the Wolverines violated NCAA rules with a sign-stealing scheme perpetrated by an off-field staffer.
"Everyone is trying to get whatever edge they can," Sanders said. "You can have someone's whole game plan. They can mail it to you. You've still got to stop it, you've still got to stop it."
Sign stealing is a common phenomenon across sports, but it typically only rises to the level of scandal or investigation when there is evidence it exceeds the rules. Sanders brings a unique perspective to the issue having played professional baseball and football.
"In football, it's not as pronounced as baseball," Sanders said. "If I know a curveball is coming, I got you. With football, I don't give a darn if you know a sweep is coming, you've still got to stop it. Physically, it's a physical game. You've got to stop it. That's a little tough. I don't buy into a lot of that stuff that someone is stealing this or stealing that."
The Michigan staff member in question is Connor Stalions. He allegedly bought tickets for 30 games at 11 Big Ten stadiums while allegedly orchestrating a scheme that could violate NCAA rules against in-person scouting of opponents. Footage also shows Stalions standing next to Michigan assistant coaches on the sideline during games and appearing to relay information.
With the Wolverines off to an 8-0 start and fielding what looks to be their best team yet under ninth-year coach Jim Harbaugh, the issue of stealing signs has become a hot-button topic in college football. But, based off his remarks Tuesday, Sanders won't be among the contingent voicing outrage over the allegations against Michigan.
"You've still got to play the game," Sanders said. "Back in our glory days with San Francisco as well as the Cowboys, you know darn well Emmitt Smith is getting the ball, you know darn well Michael Irvin is running a comeback, you know darn well Jay Novacek is going to do what he's going to do and you couldn't stop it. It is what it is. Stop it."
