Wetzel is a sad sack, comparing the two cases.
Now Wetzel trying to provide cover for Harbaugh. We are in the 'everyone was doing it' equilibrium stage.
- Thread starter SLion
- Start date
This a terrible argument and tried to make it about sign stealing. Sign stealing IS legal.
The two rules Michigan broke pertain to "off site, in person scouting of future opponents" and "video recording opponents." Neither of those are specific to sign stealing, but it appears to be that's why these rules were broken.
It does not appear that the signs that were shared with Purdue were either obtained by OSU/Rutgres "off site/in person" nor were they video recorded. They were "stolen" (which is legal) during their games. Sharing this information with Purdue, while kind of a shitty thing to do (and also hilarious) does not appear to be illegal.
It comes down to this:
1) Did Michigan break either or both of these rules?
2) Was this in attempt to gain a competitive on the field advantage (note: it doesn't matter if an advantage was actually gained. If your attempt at illegal insider trading fails to net you a profit, you aren't exonerated)
#2 is important from a punishment perspective, e.g. if Stalions just happened to be at CMU game because he was buddies with the staff that's less egregious (see Baylor) than making secret video using a hidden camera in his glasses.
If 1 and 2 are true, Harbaugh is culpable -- HC are responsible (under NCAA rule) for what goes on in their programs.
I would also argue that both coordinators are also culpable; there is enough video of Stalions interacting with them during games to suggest they either knew or should have known about this scheme.
In terms of a reasonable punishment, at a minimum, I think the Big Ten, in the short term, needs to suspend all three (JH and both coordinators) until the outcome of the NCAA investigation. If it were up to me, additional punishments (e.g. post-season ban) are warranted, but alas, I am not in charge.
If it comes out later that Purdue/OSU/Rutgres also broke rules they should also be punished appropriately. But this in NO way lessens the malfeasance by Michigan.
There is some major deflection going on here both with UM supporters and some in the media trying to confuse the issue - as pointed out there are some types of sign stealing that is permitted - and some that isn't - UM was accused of doing the illegal ones - in person and offsite. Just like in baseball - if a players can steal the signs during a game it's fine - if you plant someone in the stands with binoculars and a radio no good - just ask Houston Astros.
Except he doesn’t say anythjng about Purdue/OSU/Rutgers breaking any rules. Just being shitty. That doesn’t seem terribly sporting but…..it’s Michigan that actually broke rules.
It’s not even Lance Armstrong level where everyone actually WAS breaking the rules as he tried to point out. In his case, he was just also shitty so the others were quietly ignored….in the court public opinion anyway. Lol.
What’s really funny is if Harbaugh didn’t know, he must have spent a lot of time in his office thinking Man, we are really good! It’s uncanny!
Nice post. I agree with all of your points. Weasel er, excuse me Wetzel alludes to Stalions’ actions as “alleged”. Really? No one is all alleging that there is video, still photos, and ticket purchases. These are facts, not allegations. Punish Michigan, Harbaugh et Al accordingly. The allegations against the other schools are just that as far as I know. Investigate and punish them accordingly as well. Just don’t equate the two at this point in time.
On number two. Do you know why the Baylor head coach didn’t get a half game suspension as well as the assistant that went to the game? Would that be up to the conference or something?
