Catapult says NCAA investigating unauthorized video access, denies breach

Catapult says NCAA investigating unauthorized video access, denies breach

Catapult, the company that handles video footage and data solutions for college football programs, has said that the NCAA is conducting a video-related investigation. The company was mentioned by players from Alabama, who said they were told not to watch film on their tablets due to security concerns ahead of a Monday Rose Bowl appearance against Michigan.

The company issued a statement when asked about the comments from the Crimson Tide.

“We are aware of the ongoing investigation of the alleged unauthorized access to NCAA football video footage,” A statement from a company spokesperson to AL.com reads. “We have conducted an internal investigation and have not found any security breach in our systems.

“We have shared this with local authorities that are conducting an investigation. We will continue to support the ongoing investigation with the NCAA and local authorities. At Catapult, we hold ourselves to the highest of standards and safeguarding customer information is of utmost importance to us.”

A spokes person for the NCAA told AL.com the organization has no comment on the matter. The Detroit office of the FBI did not answer questions immediately.

The University of Michigan police department said it was not investigating the matter.

“We are not involved in any investigation regarding unauthorized access to NCAA football video footage, originating from the Michigan football program,” Melissa Overton, the department’s public information officer, told AL.com via email.

During a press conference on Friday, Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore said the team had shut down film access on player tablets in November. Michigan players confirmed that shutdown, but said they had regained access until recent days.

In addition to the sign-stealing scandal that led to head coach Jim Harbaugh’s suspension for the final three games of the regular season, Michigan also fired former assistant coach Matt Weiss for alleged computer access crimes. According to MLive, that was unrelated to the sign-stealing scandal, and the FBI joined it in October.

Alabama and Michigan face off in the Rose Bowl at 4 p.m. Monday. The game will be aired on ESPN.