Ticket buys to multiple Big Ten games found in name of suspended Michigan staffer, AP sources say

Ticket buys to multiple Big Ten games found in name of suspended Michigan staffer, AP sources say originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

According to multiple Big Ten teams, ticket purchases for football games were made in the name of a suspended Michigan football staffer who is currently under investigation by the NCAA for an alleged sign-stealing scheme.

ESPN reported on Monday that eleven Big Ten schools have found evidence of ticket purchases by Michigan analyst Connor Stalions over the past three seasons.

The Associated Press has confirmed that three Big Ten schools have electronic records of game ticket purchases under Stalions’ name. However, the officials who provided this information spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.

One school discovered ticket purchases under Stalions’ name for at least four of their home games over the past two years, while another school found purchases for five home games over the past three seasons. Some of these tickets were transferred electronically to other individuals’ names. Additionally, a third school found a ticket purchase under Stalions’ name two weeks before their game against Michigan last season.

Michigan announced on Friday that Stalions had been suspended with pay pending the conclusion of the investigation.

According to ESPN, one school has video surveillance footage from their stadium showing an individual using a cell phone to record the field during a game. It was also reported that Stalions purchased tickets for Ohio State’s home game with Penn State, although the tickets were not used. Michigan will be playing against both teams later this season.

Last week, Michigan and the Big Ten confirmed that the NCAA was investigating allegations of sign stealing. The conference has informed all of Michigan’s upcoming opponents about these allegations.

The second-ranked Wolverines are currently 8-0 and recently defeated Michigan State 49-0. Michigan is off this week and is considered a favorite to compete for the national title.

While NCAA rules do not explicitly prohibit sign stealing, they do prohibit the use of electronic equipment to record opponent signals. NCAA bylaws also state that off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents in the same season is banned. Coaches are responsible for any unsportsmanlike or unethical activities and could face penalties for violations that occur under their watch.

Earlier this season, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh served a three-game suspension imposed by the university for unrelated NCAA violations tied to recruiting.

Stalions, a retired captain in the Marine Corps and a graduate of the Naval Academy, was hired as an off-field analyst at Michigan in May 2022. However, his LinkedIn profile has since been deactivated.