The NCAA is investigating a video app used by football players to watch film.
On Thursday, Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond told reporters that Crimson Tide players had been instructed this week not to use the app Catapult to watch video.
USA Today reported Friday that the NCAA is investigating hackers possibly gaining unauthorized access to the app. “Local authorities” are also investigating, although the report did not specify which locale is involved.
The report included a statement from the company, which provides video and data analysis for football teams.
“We are aware of the ongoing investigation of the alleged unauthorized access to NCAA football video footage,” the statement read. “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.”
Given Alabama is facing Michigan in the College Football Playoff National Semifinal Monday, speculation arose the investigation might be connected to the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal.
The USA Today report notes it’s “unclear” if the NCAA probe is related to that “or a separate issue.”
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy said Friday the team has barred its players from watching film on their iPads since November.
It should go without saying, but if it’s an app, it can be hacked, some more easily than others, to reveal all sorts of information on a user.
[USAToday.com; Photo Credit: Catapult]
