Connor Stalions, the suspended Michigan staffer at the center of the NCAA’s sign-stealing probe, continues to get exposed for his alleged actions and it is starting to be clear that Jim Harbaugh was aware of it.
Per ESPN, Stalions bought tickets for more than 30 games at 11 Big Ten schools. That is not all he was doing.
On Monday night, the Michigan analyst was further exposed when photos surfaced from last season showing him on the sidelines. Not in the back, not in the middle, but right in the front with the other top coaches.
Tom Orr of Buckeyehuddle.com shared photos of Stalions next to Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter when Ohio State was on offense during last season’s rivalry game.
Stalions stood next to co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore once the team was on offense.
Pictures show him holding a laminated sheet that shows various hand signals from the opposing teams.
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Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh wasted little time 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.”
Those above photos state otherwise.
According to a story on Monday by ESPN, eleven Big Ten institutions claimed to have discovered proof that Connor Stallion had attended at least one of their games during the previous three seasons.
According to ESPN, at least one school discovered video surveillance footage from inside its stadium that appeared to show a person using a cell phone to film what was happening on the field.
Michigan revealed on Friday that Stalions had been placed on paid administrative leave while the inquiry was ongoing.
The second-ranked Wolverines defeated Michigan State 49-0 on Saturday night. Michigan has won the last two Big Ten championships and is a favorite to play for the national title.
