Michigan football analyst Connor Stalions’ ticket purchases went beyond Big Ten games to include games of potential opponents in the College Football Playoff, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday.
The NCAA is investigating Michigan for violating rules regarding off-campus scouting of upcoming foes, with Stalions the alleged ringleader of a sign-stealing operation.
Michigan suspended Stalions with pay last week, and head coach Jim Harbaugh denied knowledge of any wrongdoing.
Previous reports indicated that Stalions bought seats at numerous Big Ten games in seats where the opponents’ sidelined play signals could be viewed. The latest news on Tuesday added to the reach of the alleged operation, as Stalions reportedly bought tickets for games the past two years involving possible Wolverines CFB foes Georgia, Tennessee, Oregon, Clemson and Alabama.
Yahoo Sports and ESPN reported that Stalions transferred tickets to others who attended games and allegedly made videos of sideline signals that later could be deciphered.
According to ESPN, the Big Ten might step in and issue a punishment in the case even if the NCAA investigation is not complete. The conference’s “integrity of the competition” clause gives commissioner Tony Petitti the “exclusive authority to determine whether offensive actions have occurred” and determine the Big Ten’s response, per ESPN.
Any “major” discipline handed down by the league would need the Big Ten’s executive committee, consisting of a representative from each school, to give its consent.
Michigan (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) is currently ranked second in the country.
–Field Level Media