The latest controversy surrounding the Michigan sign-stealing scandal has taken an alarming turn.Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions is being accused of posing as a Central Michigan staffer during their game against Michigan State in an attempt to steal their signs.
Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain has expressed his strong disapproval of these actions, emphasizing that such conduct has no place in college football.
Central Michigan coach: “No place in football” for Michigan staffer on our sideline. https://t.co/QpkC4o4Lvg
— ProFootballTalk (ProFootballTalk) November 1, 2023This latest accusation against Stalions holds more weight than previous allegations, which involved him attending Michigan opponents’ games by purchasing tickets.
While that alone is a violation of NCAA rules, sneaking onto a rival team’s sideline takes it to a whole new level of seriousness.
Although no evidence has been published indicating that Jim Harbaugh was aware of Stalions’ activities, he may still face repercussions from the NCAA.
The NCAA expects head coaches to be aware of what’s happening within their programs and to promote a culture of compliance with their rules.
If it turns out that a Michigan staffer was indeed spying on another NCAA team, it would strongly suggest that Michigan did not have a culture of compliance in place.
Central Michigan has launched an investigation into the matter, and McElwain is determined to get to the bottom of it.
“We obviously are aware of a picture floating around with the sign stealer guy,” McElwain said. “Our people are doing everything they can to get to the bottom of it. We were totally unaware of it. I certainly don’t condone it in any way, shape or form. I do know that his name was on none of the passes that were let out. We keep tracing it back and tracing it back and try to figure it out. It’s in good hands with our people. There’s no place in football for that.”