Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith has stirred the pot in the ongoing fallout from the sign-stealing controversy that rocked the University of Michigan football program last fall.
In a recent interview with Anna Staver on central Ohio’s NPR affiliate WOSU, Smith expressed his belief that Michigan’s recent victories over Ohio State should come with an asterisk due to the scandal.
Ohio State AD says Michigan wins should ‘of course’ have an asterisk over sign-stealing scandal https://t.co/UWFNNXxrj0
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 12, 2024
Smith’s remarks come amidst a broader discussion surrounding the repercussions of an alleged scheme orchestrated by former Michigan analyst Connor Stalions to illicitly obtain opposing teams’ signals.
Scandal recap
Last fall, reports emerged of a coordinated off-campus scouting effort led by analyst Connor Stalions, allegedly aimed at acquiring opponents’ signals. While observing signals isn’t banned, NCAA rules prohibit such extensive scouting activities.
This led to the program severing ties with Stalions, a three-game suspension for head coach Jim Harbaugh, and an ongoing NCAA investigation. The Wolverines, however, navigated the media storm and ultimately secured the national championship.
In response to a question about whether he believes Michigan’s wins should be asterisked, Smith replied unequivocally,
“Of course I do,” adding, “The rules are in place to protect the integrity of the game and try your best to create a level playing field.”
While Smith’s comments highlight the contentious nature of the situation, they also raise questions about the potential implications for Michigan’s recent success on the field, including their 2023 national title win.
However, it’s worth noting that Smith’s perspective is inherently influenced by Ohio State’s rivalry with Michigan.
Despite Smith’s call for an asterisk, it’s important to recognize the broader context of college football and the prevalence of rule violations across various programs.
While the issue of sign-stealing has ignited debate within the sport, any attempts to retroactively alter records or apply asterisks to victories are fraught with challenges and complexities.
Smith’s candid remarks adds fuel to the ongoing conversation surrounding the Michigan saga, underscoring the far-reaching implications of the scandal and its impact on collegiate athletics.
