ESPN report: Michigan staffer at heart of NCAA investigation named, computer confiscated

Michigan analyst Connor Stalions is in the middle of the NCAA’s investigation into the Wolverines for illicit sign stealing, ESPN reported Friday.

The Big Ten announced the investigation Thursday by the NCAA, which is looking into whether Michigan sent people to games in-person to observe signs. It against NCAA bylaws to have advanced in-person scouting.

The presumption in this case is if that the allegations are true, Michigan used that advanced scouting to steal signs from its opponents.

Stalions went to Navy from 2013-2016, working as an undergraduate assistant for the program. He was later in the United States Marine Corp before joining the Wolverines as a full-time off-field analyst.

Heather Dinich said the NCAA confiscated the staffer’s computer Friday during an appearance on Get Up.

“They, being the NCAA, confiscated that staffer’s computer,” Dinich said.

One source in the ESPN story explained how big of a scandal this could be for the Wolverines.

“This is worse than both the Astros and the Patriots — it’s both use of technology for a competitive advantage and there’s allegations that they are filming prior games, not just in-game,” a Big Ten source told ESPN. “If it was just an in-game situation, that’s different. Going and filming somewhere you’re not supposed to be. It’s illegal. It’s too much of an advantage.”

This is the second NCAA investigation of Michigan currently ongoing after one on potential recruiting violations. The Wolverines earlier in the year self-imposed a three-game suspension on head coach Jim Harbaugh in advance of the recruiting violation.

Harbaugh has denied knowledge of any potential wrongdoing regarding sign stealing.

“I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter,” Harbaugh said in a statement Thursday. “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.”

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel also released a statement Thursday on the NCAA investigation.

“I want to personally assure you that U-M Athletics will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter. At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all members of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff, and student-athletes. Given [the] ongoing investigation, I’ll have no further comments at this time,” Manuel said in the statement.