Connor Stalions, the recruiting analyst at the center of the sign-stealing scandal around the Michigan Wolverines football team, resigned his position on Friday.
Shortly after that decision was made, both Stalions and his attorney, Brad Beckworth, issued statements on the matter.
“I love the University of Michigan and its football program,” Stalions said in a statement, shared by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. “And I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with the incredible student athletes, Coach Harbaugh and the other coaches that have been a part of the Michigan family during my tenure. I do not want to be a distraction from what I hope will be a championship run for the team, and I will continue to cheer them on.”
https://t.co/jVsOruIILV pic.twitter.com/w6BRkhXLkG
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 4, 2023
“As he informed the school earlier today, Connor chose to resign because recent stories regarding his time with the University of Michigan have created a distraction for the team. He hopes his resignation will help the team and coaching staff focus on tomorrow’s game and the remainder of the season. Connor also wants to make it clear that, to his knowledge, neither Coach Harbaugh, nor any other coach or staff member, told anyone to break any rules or were aware of improper conduct regarding the recent allegations of advanced scouting.”
Connor Stalions and his attorney have provided statements to The Athletic. https://t.co/jVsOruIILV pic.twitter.com/OKXD1LzscJ
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 4, 2023
When the news of Stalions’ departure from Michigan football team was announced on Friday, the reaction to the news generally indicated that people felt Stalions fell on the sword for the Wolverines. So, what did these statements do to that perception?
Absolutely nothing.
This is how this statement reads: Stalions used his money to advance scout teams and presented his findings to the Michigan staff who didn't finance his actions and never asked how he did what he did? https://t.co/Ct80gB96Lu
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 4, 2023
I feel bad for the guy, honestly. Working on the staff was probably a dream come true and now it’s gone.
He’ll lay down in front of the bus because he loves this team as much as a person can. It’s what I’d do if I were him. And there’s just something heartbreaking about that. https://t.co/aCrO9l49sn
— National Championship Serena 🏈🏆 (@sgeorgetter) November 4, 2023
“I hope my resignation helps the team and staff focus on tomorrows game. Especially on 3rd and 10 out of trips and they put up a Nike sign which signifies a draw play.” https://t.co/GpUgZLe1VP
— Greg Flammang (@greg2126) November 4, 2023
Build this guy a statue man. This is a historic performance. https://t.co/mehAsH2pyE
— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) November 4, 2023
True believer willing to sacrifice himself to the cause. Too bad everybody with eyeballs knows it's not just him. https://t.co/oNho6oWDDs
— Bax (@MattBaxendell) November 4, 2023
Run free, wild Stalion. https://t.co/10EqZ7n3hX
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 4, 2023
Ultimately, more investigations into this matter will be done and with that, how truthful Stalions and his attorney are being will certainly become more clear.
