Role in advanced scouting scandal
The NCAA publicly announced a mid-season investigation into Stalions and the Michigan football program in October 2023, which many referred to as a "sign stealing" scandal (though "sign stealing" is permitted by the NCAA). [7] The scope of the University of Michigan's sign-stealing operation included both video evidence of electronics prohibited by the NCAA to steal signs and a significant paper trail, per sources. Stalions purchased tickets in his own name for more than 30 games over three years at 11 different Big Ten schools. [8] The NCAA revealed that Stalions referred to this group as the "KGB", and the scheme had scouted at least 13 future opponents over 52 contests. In a recorded call, Stalions referred to sideline footage obtained as "dirty film". [9]
On November 3, 2023, Stalions, [10] who was at the center of the scandal, resigned. [11] [10] Stalions himself was also photographed in disguise on the sidelines for a game Central Michigan played against Michigan State on September 1, 2023. [12] [13] A former staffer stated that Stalions was there to both decipher Michigan State's signals and help with play-calling. [14] When asked by NCAA investigators if he attended the MSU-CMU game, Connor stated that he "did not recall" attending a specific game. [15]
The NCAA banned advanced scouting in 1994 as a "cost-cutting measure designed to promote equity for programs that could not afford to send scouts;" [16] though a solid majority of schools voted to overturn the ban in 2013, the motion failed to reach the required 62.5% supermajority. [17]
The NCAA initially contacted Stalions following the 2023-24 season and interviewed him in the spring of 2024. No public information has been released regarding which specific bylaw(s) the NCAA alleges Stalions violated. Bylaw 11.6.1 prevents "advanced in-person scouting of a future opponent in the same season" by institutional staff members. [18]
Resignation from the University of Michigan
On November 3, 2023, Stalions resigned from the University of Michigan's staff. [19] Stalions's attorney told media that neither Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh nor others on the team were aware of any "improper conduct." [20]
