The Big 12 has closed the book on its investigation into security of coach-to-player headset communications and -- in an amazing turn of events -- the conference has arrived at the most convenient conclusion.
In a statement Thursday, the conference said:
Following the industry-wide concerns surrounding helmet communications, the Big 12 conducted a review of conference games and helmet communications processes to address any issues member institutions raised regarding this matter. The review showed that at no point was any Big 12 competition compromised.
All Big 12 helmet communications programs now have the encryption update from GSC, and schools may use either CoachComm or GSC for coach-to-player communication at their discretion.
The review became necessary after it was reported that the coach-to-player communications were not secure, allowing opposing teams (or anyone, really) to listen in as coaches made their calls and checks to the green dot-wearer on the field. The conference asked all 16 schools to turn in their equipment so their third-party supplier could add encryption technology to the necessary hardware.
Multiple sources told FootballScoop that Texas Tech believes its coach-to-player communication was compromised in two recent conference games, but the Big 12's review found no foul play occurred.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.