Andy Staples provides additional context on Jim Harbaugh, Michigan sign-stealing investigation

Damning evidence against Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and Connor Stalions has come to light over the past couple of weeks and much has been made of the news that Michigan has been allegedly caught stealing opponent’s signs.

Now, On3’s Andy Staples has the latest, reporting on the recent evidence put together by ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Mark Schlabach on Monday.

“Connor Stalions, the staffer at Michigan who has been suspended in this case, was found to have purchased tickets to 30 games and 11 Big Ten schools,” Staples said. “Thamel cited sources from 11 different Big Ten schools that this happened. The NCAA is expected to get evidence that someone using tickets purchased by Stalions was filming one of the sidelines for the entire game. They used the surveillance cameras from the stadium to show someone using their phone to film a sideline for the entire game. This is not an isolated incident — this apparently goes back for quite some time.

“If they get that video, they’ve pretty much got them dead to rights. What that means is that Michigan will be in trouble, Jim Harbaugh will be in trouble for this.”

Of course, Harbaugh was quoted as saying that he had no knowledge of this incident last week. As more comes out, Harbaugh’s statement is becoming less and less believable, Staples says. Even if Harbaugh had no knowledge of the incident, the NCAA will likely deem Harbaugh at fault due to the fact that he’s the head coach and directly oversees Stalions’ duties.

It should also be noted that Harbaugh is also under another investigation by the NCAA, which stems from the COVID-19 pandemic. The alleged story where Harbaugh bought a hamburger for recruits saw him face a three-game self-imposed suspension in hopes of getting out ahead of the NCAA’s final ruling. Add this sign-stealing debacle to the mix and Harbaugh all of a sudden has a lot on his plate.

“I still think that this is one of those instances where the NCAA could act quickly, or if the Big Ten could act in a disciplinary capacity,” Staples continued. “Thamel reported that Stalions bought tickets on both sidelines for this past week’s Penn State–Ohio State game. So, if there was a plan to do something at that game, the plan would have already been in place.

“It’s a competitive equity issue, it moves betting lines — something probably needs to move quickly on this. Then again, it’s the NCAA and they aren’t known to move that fast. … They will be able to get Jim Harbaugh on this, as long as they have that evidence. If they get that surveillance video that shows someone using Connor Stalions seats, filming an upcoming opponent — they got it. That’s pretty much it.”

How long will this ultimately take? Staples isn’t sure. But at the same time, Staples believes there’s enough evidence to prove Harbaugh’s guilt right now. Only time will tell if the NCAA hands down its ruling before the end of the season. For now, all Michigan can do is try to stay out of the spotlight during its bye week and prepare for Purdue during Week 10.