COLLEGES

NCAA investigators interviewed members of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff Thursday about a sign-stealing scheme, a person familiar with the governing body’s visit told The Associated Press.

The investigation has rocked the undefeated and second-ranked Wolverines on their march toward a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. The interviews were confirmed by the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because no one was authorized to speak publicly about the details.

The NCAA inquiry was triggered by an outside firm’s investigation, which turned up videos of and documented plans and budgets for impermissible scouting of opponents. The Washington Post reported the firm obtained computer drives maintained and accessed by multiple Michigan coaches.

The firm presented evidence to the NCAA and suggested Connor Stalions, a low-level staffer who has been suspended by Michigan, was not the only person on staff aware of the scheme, according to the report. A second person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the AP that a firm provided the NCAA with evidence, including photographs, videos and documents, that initiated the association’s investigation.

It was unclear who hired the firm to investigate Michigan.

Harbaugh, who is facing unresolved NCAA violations in a separate case tied to recruiting, has denied any knowledge or involvement in impermissible scouting of opponents.

HOCKEY

NHL: Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto was suspended by the league for 41 games, making the 22-year-old American the first modern-day hockey player banned for sports gambling.

The league said the half-season ban was for “activities relating to sports wagering” and that its investigation found no evidence Pinto bet on NHL games. It did not release other details, including what Pinto did or how he was caught.

Pinto is not appealing the suspension, part of an agreement among the league, player and NHL Players’ Association to resolve the situation.

BASKETBALL

U.S. WOMEN: Five-time Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner head up the USA Basketball women’s national team roster announced for a pair of November exhibition games and training camp in Atlanta.

The national team will play the University of Tennessee on Nov. 5 in Knoxville and Duke on Nov. 12. The team will hold a training camp Nov. 7-9 in Atlanta as the U.S. women prepare to chase an eighth straight Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

GOLF

LPGA: Jasmine Suwannapura of Thailand had seven birdies and an eagle for a 9-under 63 to take the first-round lead at the LPGA’s Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Hannah Green of Australia was a stroke behind after a 64. Grace Kim, Rose Zhang and Gina Kim were among five players two strokes behind.