Ohio State fans are delighted over every bit of news regarding the NCAA investigation into sign-stealing accusations against the Michigan football program. But a former Buckeyes star has different feelings on the matter.
Maurice Clarett, a freshman running back on Ohio State’s 2002 national championship team, surprisingly voiced his support for Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh in light of the NCAA probe on social media.
“In all honesty, I think the investigation into Michigan for the hamburger, sign viewing or whatever it is, is another reason for everyone to be mad at the NCAA,” Clarett said. “I’ve spoken up for Michigan in both cases. It’s actually stupid. Good scouting gets you all of the signs and signals you want.”
Clarett went on to call Michigan (8–0, ranked No. 2 in the current AP poll) “a good football team,” words that likely make most Buckeyes fans wince.
I can go back and forth with the Michigan and OSU banter. It’s fun and comical on lots of levels. I can take the jokes about my past and all of the above…. In all honesty I think the investigation into Michigan for the hamburger, sign viewing or whatever it is is another reason…
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) October 29, 2023
“I don’t like this thing going on with Harbaugh,” Clarett added in a follow-up post. “It feels like the Michigan version of Tressel and the tattoos. Ruining or trying to defame these coaches after work put in to build these programs isn’t cool. The rivalry is cool to joke around with and have fun with but I wish there was a time when more coaches/public would just be vocal about how silly some of this stuff is.”
Clarett appears to have a different perspective on the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, having only played one season in Columbus. He was suspended for the 2003 season for receiving special benefits and sued the NFL to enter the 2004 draft. His difficult experience with Ohio State officials likely left him jaded about college athletics.
Meeting with reporters on Monday, Harbaugh said he wasn’t allowed to comment on the sign-stealing allegations during the NCAA’s ongoing investigation. He disputed reports that Michigan recently rescinded a contract extension offer, however.
