Getty Image / Aaron J. Thornton
The Michigan alleged sign-stealing scandal has been full of hilarious twists and turns since the story broke three weeks ago. And, this time, it’s about something we all learned in middle school: don’t plagiarize.
One Twitter sleuth has found what they think is a pretty clear-cut example of plagiarism involving a message board post and a letter sent by Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh’s legal team to the Big Ten.
Parts of this letter from Jim Harbaugh’s lawyers appear to have been lifted almost verbatim from a fan’s blog post, without credit of course. https://t.co/BjhRkEBL7G https://t.co/pt1jN2aSXD pic.twitter.com/hXnFK7h5wl
— southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) November 9, 2023
So, let me get this straight. Jim Harbaugh’s very prestigious lawyer, Tom Mars, plagiarized a message board post in an official communication on behalf of his highest-profile client? I’m not sure if that’s as funny as star Wolverine running back Blake Corum being listed on forms as a co-owner of a vacuum repair business with the alleged ringleader of the scandal, former Michigan analyst Connor Stalions. But, it’s pretty funny.
Sure, the person who posted to MgoBlog is probably okay with what he wrote being used by Tom Mars. But, it’s still a terrible look for a high-powered lawyer to just directly copy something on the internet.
In case this is the first time you’re hearing about the Michigan sign-stealing scandal, here’s a quick rundown. Now-fired Michigan staffer Connor Stalions is accused of arranging travel and ticket purchases for acquaintances to attend the games of potential Wolverine opponents, where they filmed the signs being relayed in from the sidelines to the players on the field. Allegedly, these videos were used to match up the signs with plays on the field, giving Stalions the ability to tell Michigan coaches during the game what plays could be coming based on the signs. There are videos of Stalions, who was supposedly a low-level staffer, communicating with Michigan coordinators just prior to the Wolverine play being signaled in.
Many expect punishment, including a potential suspension of Jim Harbaugh, to be coming any day now. I’m skeptical that’s actually going to happen, for a variety of reasons. But, I think everyone can agree that the longer this situation stays in the news, the funnier it is.
#3 Michigan plays their biggest game of the season so far on the road against #10 Penn State at noon on Saturday.