Connor Stalions, the suspended Michigan staff member at the center of the NCAA’s investigation into sign-stealing, continues to face exposure for his alleged actions, raising questions about Jim Harbaugh’s awareness of the situation.
According to ESPN, Stalions purchased tickets for over 30 games at 11 Big Ten schools, but that wasn’t the extent of his activities.
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On Monday night, further evidence of Stalions’ involvement came to light when photos from last season depicted him on the sidelines. Not tucked away in the background or the middle, but prominently standing in the front alongside other top coaches.
Tom Orr from Buckeyehuddle.com shared images of Stalions positioned next to Michigan’s defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, during Ohio State’s offensive plays in last season’s rivalry game. Stalions also stood next to co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore when the Michigan team was on offense.
The pictures revealed him holding a laminated sheet displaying various hand signals used by opposing teams.
In response, Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh wasted no time in vehemently denying any knowledge or involvement in the matter.
“I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter,” Harbaugh said in an initial statement. “I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment.”
“I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules,” he said. “No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules. Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place.”
The aforementioned images tell a different story.
As reported by ESPN on Monday, eleven Big Ten institutions claimed to possess evidence suggesting Connor Stallion had attended at least one of their games over the past three seasons.
In the ESPN report, it was noted that at least one school had uncovered surveillance footage from inside its stadium, which seemed to capture an individual using a cellphone to record on-field activities.
Michigan disclosed on Friday that Stalions had been put on paid administrative leave while the investigation was ongoing.
On Saturday night, the second-ranked Wolverines secured a 49-0 victory over Michigan State. Michigan has clinched the last two Big Ten championships and is considered a frontrunner to contend for the national title.
Jim Harbaugh might want to reconsider his prospects of returning to the NFL as a coach.
