Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh looks on fro the sidelines during the Wolverines' game against Indiana on Oct. 14, 2023. Syndication: USA TODAY
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The college football world was rocked on Thursday by the news of a new investigation into Michigan football.

While previous investigations of the Wolverines and head coach Jim Harbaugh focused on the program’s recruiting efforts, the latest allegations include an elaborate sign-stealing operation. While sign stealing is not explicitly illegal, the investigation is reportedly looking to determine, among other things, whether Michigan was scouting future opponents in-person — something that has been outlawed by the NCAA since 1994.

According to a new report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the investigation centers on a Wolverines staffer named Connor Stalions. A retired captain in the United States Marine Corps, Stalions officially works in Michigan’s recruiting department, but according to sources, “it was known in the building that he spent much of his time deciphering opponents’ signals, often watching television copies of opponents’ games.”

Per Thamel, the NCAA is seeking access to Stalions’ computer as a part of its investigation. A source told ESPN that the scheme, which has allegedly been in place since at least 2021, “is worse than both the Astros and the Patriots.”

Per Thamel:

What is crucial to the NCAA case isn’t what Stalions did while breaking down television copies of games to learn and decode opponents’ signals. It’s whether or not illicit methods were used, which are alleged to include opponent scouting in different venues and was outlawed by the NCAA nearly three decades ago as a cost-cutting measure to bring more equity to the sport.

Sign stealing also violates NCAA rules if a team uses electronic equipment to decipher signals and relay the information to players and coaches. According to the 2023 NCAA football rule book, “any attempt to record, either through audio or video means, any signals given by an opposing player, coach or other team personnel is prohibited.”

The allegations against Michigan appear to transcend the normal coach griping about opposing coaches stealing signals, as the depth of the allegations — and the Big Ten’s on-record affirmation of an investigation — hint at something much more significant.

As the new details into the NCAA’s latest investigation into the Wolverines’ program were first made public, many took to social media to weigh in on the matter.

https://twitter.com/internetraj/status/1715243065420734600

 

[ESPN]

About Ben Axelrod

Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.

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