Michigan football players embrace 'villain' role amid criticism - ESPN

ANN ARBOR, Michigan — Ric Flair strutted out of Schembechler Hall on Monday and into a private car.

The former pro wrestling legend was at Michigan to see Jim Harbaugh, as the two have been friends since the Wolverines coach played with the Chicago Bears in the late 1980s.

Flair was known as the villain in the wrestling world, and Harbaugh now finds himself and the Wolverines being described as the villains of the college football world amid allegations of sign stealing and in-person scouting that have triggered an NCAA investigation.

Despite what's being said outside the program, Michigan's players aren't shying away from the newfound target on their back and the criticism they're receiving.

«I know there's a lot of noise going on the outside of the building,» Wolverines offensive lineman Zak Zinter said. «Haven't really paid too, too much attention to it. But I mean, if someone thinks we're the villain, I mean, I'm fine being the villain.

»You know, sometimes the villain wins and takes down the superhero. So, if that's got to be the case, let's be the villain and let's take them down. I'm fine with being the villain if that's how the media and everyone else sees it outside the building."

Michigan's program and former staffer Connor Stalions are being investigated for in-person scouting, with Stalions allegedly paying people to attend opponents' games and recording their play call signals from the stands.

The NCAA also is investigating whether Stalions was in disguise on the Central Michigan sideline during the Chippewas' game against Michigan State this season.

Criticism also has come from opposing coaches, with Purdue coach Ryan Walter asking publicly why there has been a delay in punishing Michigan with evidence