The Michigan football team is currently embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal in Ann Arbor, and it appears that the suspended staffer’s actions extended beyond the Big Ten.
Connor Stalions, a suspended staff member at Michigan, reportedly purchased a ticket to Tennessee football’s game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in 2022, among other games involving Big Ten teams and potential College Football Playoff participants. According to Yahoo! Sports, Stalions bought a ticket that allowed him to view the Vols’ sideline and the coaching staff’s signals. He then transferred the ticket to someone else who attended the game on October 29, 2022. Tennessee won the game 44-6 and subsequently ranked first in the initial CFP rankings three days later.
Additionally, Yahoo! Sports reported that Stalions also bought tickets to games involving Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Oregon last season. He used associates to attend these games and record the signals of the respective coaching staffs. Stalions also purchased tickets to the SEC Championship Games in 2021 and 2022. ESPN reported on Monday that Stalions acquired tickets for more than 30 Big Ten games, including tickets situated behind both sidelines at Ohio Stadium for the Ohio State-Penn State game last Saturday. However, these tickets went unused after the scandal came to light.
This scandal violates at least two NCAA rules: in-person scouting at an opponent’s games and recording signals from opposing coaches or players. Both of these actions have been prohibited since 1994.
In a statement, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh denied any knowledge or involvement in the illegal stealing of signals and off-campus scouting assignments. He stated, “I have not directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment.”
The Wolverines have reached the College Football Playoffs in the past two seasons but have been eliminated in the semifinals both times. Currently, Michigan boasts an undefeated record of 8-0 this season.
This article was originally published on Nashville Tennessean: Michigan cheating scandal: Staffer bought tickets to Tennessee football game
Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.
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