Deion Sanders doesn’t seem to think sign stealing in football is that big of a deal.
The Colorado football coach, speaking to reporters Tuesday, opened up about stealing another team’s signs amid a scandal that’s embroiled Michigan.
According to the Pro Football Hall of Famer, knowing an opponent’s signs can be helpful, but it’s not the be-all, end-all during a game.
“I mean, everybody’s trying to get an edge,” Sanders said Tuesday. “Everyone’s trying to get an edge wherever they can. You can have someone’s whole game plan. They could mail it to you. You’ve still got to stop it.”
The comments come as the NCAA investigates accusations that Michigan stole opponents’ signs in a scheme that was allegedly led by Connor Stalions, a United States Marine Corps veteran.
Stalions allegedly bought tickets for games featuring at least 16 different schools over the past three years, according to ESPN.
The Worldwide Leader reported Tuesday night that Stalions, who was suspended by Michigan, allegedly bought tickets to games outside of the Big Ten, acquiring tickets for the 2021 and 2022 SEC championship games.
In 1994, the NCAA banned advanced in-person scouting in part to keep the playing level even.
Sanders also said he thinks baseball players get more of an advantage from knowing an other team’s signs, but in football, because of the nature of the sport, the edge isn’t as pronounced.
The Astros were notably penalized for a sign-stealing scheme that was used during their 2017 World Series run.
“In football, it’s not as pronounced as baseball,” Sanders said. “If I know a curveball is coming, I got you. With football, I don’t give a darn if you know a sweep is coming, you’ve still got to stop it. Physically, it’s a physical game. You’ve got to stop it. That’s a little tough. I don’t buy into a lot of that stuff that someone is stealing this or stealing that.”
Colorado, now 4-3, takes on No. 23 UCLA this Saturday.
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