Michigan suspends analyst Connor Stalions with pay over alleged sign stealing involvement

Michigan football analyst Connor Stalions has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the NCAA investigation into alleged sign stealing and illegal scouting, U-M reported in a release today. Stalions has been on the sidelines for games and is under the microscope for his role in what has been described as a “vast network” dedicated to the craft outside of what’s allowed by NCAA rules.

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Michigan hired Stalions in May 2022 as an off-field analyst. It was his computer handed over to NCAA investigators today, sources told TheWolverine.com, while there have been rumblings that he also had to give up his phone.

Stalions attended the Naval Academy from 2013-16 and assisted with the football team. He reportedly served as a voluntary assistant for Michigan from 2015 until 2021, ESPN reporting he flew back and forth across the country during football season with his own money to assist the defensive coaching staff.

Michigan is under NCAA investigation for allegedly stealing signals while off-campus scouting, a practice banned in 1994 for monetary reasons. Head coach Jim Harbaugh clapped back Thursday in denying having any involvement.

“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 released by the university. “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.

“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 NCAA has not issued an official notice of allegations, but did inform the Big Ten it was opening the case against Michigan this week. Sources informed TheWolverine.com late Wednesday the NCAA was coming after the Wolverines for alleged improper scouting and sign stealing. The allegation pertains to NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which reads: “Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.” 

Per sources close to the situation, Michigan was to receive evidence of the wrongdoing from the Big Ten — which received notification from the NCAA of the investigation recently — as well as the NCAA this afternoon. Sources also indicated there was no evidence Harbaugh knew or was involved.

As Yahoo.com reports, “two of Michigan‘s opponents this season told Yahoo Sports they became aware that Michigan knew their play signs. Sign stealing does not violate NCAA rules unless the team uses in-game, electronic equipment to relay the information to players on the field or amongst coaches. The 2023 NCAA football rule book addresses sign stealing in a general way under a section titled Prohibited Field Equipment. It states that ‘any attempt to record, either through audio or video means, any signals given by an opposing player, coach or other team personnel is prohibited.” No corresponding penalty is listed.’

“The rulebook does express the need for coaches to follow the so-called “Football Code” and states that “only the highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct are expected of players, coaches and others associated with the game.” It further lists numerous examples of unethical and unsportsmanlike conduct but sign stealing is not among them.”

Regardless, they added, “the extent of this operation apparently concerned the NCAA. In-person scouting was prohibited for almost all circumstances in 1994 as a cost-saving tool. Teams commonly use hand signals or visual pictures on signs held aloft on the sideline to tell the quarterback or defensive captain the play.”

The Big Ten issued comment Thursday. 

“Late Wednesday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference and University of Michigan were notified by the NCAA that the NCAA was investigating allegations of sign stealing by the University of Michigan football program. The Big Ten Conference has notified Michigan State University and future opponents. The Big Ten Conference considers the integrity of competition to be of utmost importance and will continue to monitor the investigation. The Conference will have no further comment at this time,” the statement read.

Watch for more on this breaking story in the days and hours to come …