Getty Image / Scott W. Grau
Just hours after he resigned from the University of Michigan, former Wolverine football analyst Connor Stalions has made his first public comments through his lawyer since the alleged sign-stealing scandal began two weeks ago.
The statement was given to The Athletic and reads as follows.
“I love the University of Michigan and its football program. And I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with the incredible student athletes, coach Harbaugh and the other coaches that have been a part of the Michigan football family during my tenure. I do not want to be a distraction from what I hope to be a championship run for the team, and I will continue to cheer them on.”
His lawyer added, “As he informed the school earlier today, Connor chose to resign because recent stories regarding his time with the University of Michigan have created a distraction for the team. He hopes his resignation will help the team and coaching staff focus on tomorrow’s game and the remainder of the season. Connor also wants to make it clear that, to his knowledge, neither Coach Harbaugh, nor any other coach or staff member, told anyone to break any rules or were aware of improper conduct regarding the recent allegations of advanced scouting.”
It was initially reported early Friday evening that Michigan had fired Stalions, who has refused to cooperate with the NCAA or Big Ten into the investigations regarding his conduct.
In case you’ve been somewhere that doesn’t have internet the last few weeks, the former Marine is accused of having associates travel to college football games of potential Wolverine opponents and film the signs of opposing coaches from the stands. Allegedly, Stalions would use this footage and match it up with the game film to decipher the signs. Videos have surfaced showing Stalions giving input to Michigan assistant coaches on the sidelines prior to plays being run. It’s unclear if any Michigan coaches knew how he was acquiring the signs and if there was any illegal activity related to getting them.
The one NCAA violation that does appear to have been committed for sure is a ban on in-person scouting in-season, as photos have surfaced that allegedly show Stalions in disguise on the Central Michigan sidelines in a week one game against Michigan State. The game was on a Friday night, allowing Stalions to attend both that game and Michigan’s contest against East Carolina the next day.
As of now, no disciplinary action has been taken against Michigan football or Jim Harbaugh.