The University of Michigan has been dominant during the 2023 NCAA football season– attaining a perfect record thus far; however, their dreams have been put on hold as they were placed under investigation for sign stealing.
Sign stealing is when a team preemptively scouts their opponents to learn their communication methods and signals. This, in the NCAA, is illegal when in-person scouts are used, according to bylaw 11.6.1. With this in mind, skeptics looked towards Michigan football, expecting them to have cheated to obtain their dominance.
Upon further investigation by fans and officials, it was found that Connor Stalions, a Michigan football staff member, was sign stealing for the team. Specifically, it was revealed that Stalions attended more than thirty football games with rival teams, some of which with two tickets on each side of the stadium. He has remained silent regarding these allegations and has deleted multiple social media accounts since then.
Other speculations have said that Stalions is also working with Central Michigan University.
Photos of him were uncovered at one of CMU’s games, where he was dressed in their official apparel on the sidelines. He has, again, remained silent on the issue, while Central Michigan’s Head Coach has claimed innocence.
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan’s Head Coach, made similar reports– saying that he was not affiliated with this behavior, nor is it tolerated.
“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,” Harbaugh said to the NCAA. Despite this, Harbaugh is also being investigated by professionals and skeptics to uncover his affiliation with the scandal. Thus far, he has been suspended for the remainder of the regular season, thereby giving time for the investigation to ensue while he is off the sidelines.
In fact, people quickly reported that Harbaugh’s renewal contract with Michigan was withdrawn; however, Harbaugh recently confirmed that this was just a hoax. So, spectators can plan to see him on the sidelines during future seasons, regardless of current issues.
