Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who is at the center of the NCAA investigation into the program's scouting practices, bought tickets for more than 30 games at 12 of the possible 13 Big Ten stadiums and four tickets to games featuring out-of-conference College Football Playoff contenders over a three-year period, according to ESPN. According to the report, there are records of Stalions buying tickets to the 2021 and 2022 SEC championship game through the secondary market.
Stalions reportedly forwarded some of the tickets to three different people around the country. The report also reveals that one Big Ten school scanned video surveillance from inside its stadium and discovered the individual sitting in the seat purchased by Stalions holding up a cell phone pointed toward the home team's bench for the majority of game. While not definitive evidence of sign stealing, it can be a reasonable assumption based on the details uncovered within the investigation.
The NCAA is expected to receive video evidence detailing use of illegal technology this week, according to ESPN.
Stalions, who has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation, also reportedly purchased tickets on both sides of the stadium for last weekend's top-10 game between Penn State and Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio. Those tickets went unused.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh denied knowledge of illegal sign stealing last week as news of the investigation surfaced.
"I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter," Harbaugh said. "I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed staff members or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment. I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against the NCAA rules. No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules."
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel vowed "complete cooperation" from the Wolverines athletic department as the NCAA continues its probe.
"I want to personally assure you that U-M Athletics will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter," Manuel said in a statement to CBS Sports on Friday. "At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all members of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff, and student-athletes."
NCAA rules prohibit in-person scouting of opponents on current season's schedule. A retired United States Marine Corps captain, Stalions was hired by Michigan as an off-the-field analyst in 2022.
