NCAA president Charlie Baker expressed his admiration for Michigan football"s national championship win on Monday night, describing them as the “better team" who secured their title “fair and square." During a meeting with reporters at the NCAA convention, Baker discussed the unusual step the NCAA took in informing parties involved in an investigation into alleged sign-stealing by Michigan.
Baker revealed that a third party approached the NCAA with evidence of a comprehensive sign-stealing scheme by Michigan. This prompted the NCAA to contact the Big Ten and Michigan to share the initial information received from the third party. The investigation, which could impact the outcome of games, was then made public.
NCAA president Charlie Baker said Michigan won its national championship "fair and square."
He shared information with the Big Ten because the alleged scheme could "affect the outcome of games."
"I don’t believe, at the end of the season, that it did."https://t.co/4TDoWJZTYx
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) January 11, 2024
Despite potential complications and uncertainties regarding Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh"s future, Baker defended the decision to make the investigation public. He stated that sitting on the information would have put everyone in a difficult position, and the transparency allowed for necessary adjustments.
The sign-stealing investigation is expected to last several months, with Michigan yet to receive a formal notice of allegations from the NCAA. Baker acknowledged ongoing discussions within the NCAA about expediting investigations like this.
While not speculating on the timeline or potential findings regarding the Michigan case, Baker emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness and transparency. He did not comment on whether the NCAA would share investigation findings with any NFL team interested in hiring Harbaugh.
Michigan is already dealing with a separate NCAA case involving recruiting infractions, with Harbaugh facing scrutiny. The school self-imposed a three-game suspension on Harbaugh at the beginning of the season in an attempt to mitigate potential penalties.
Baker, who did not attend the championship game, maintained that Michigan was the superior team and expressed satisfaction with the NCAA"s decision to address the sign-stealing investigation openly.
