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The college football world got shaken up last week with news of an NCAA investigation into the Michigan Wolverines over a multi-year sign stealing scandal.
The Wolverines and head coach Jim Harbaugh have since fervently denied the allegations, but now it appears that he and his team may well have been caught red-handed.
“I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter,” Harbaugh said in an initial statement. “I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment.”
Harbaugh then attempted to plead ignorance.
“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 NCAA rules,” he said. “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. Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place.”
Resurfaced Photos Appear To Show Jim Harbaugh Was Aware Of Sign Stealing
Since the statement, more details have emerged on staffer Connor Stalions and his travels. Additionally, fans dug up pictures of Stalions on the sideline next to Harbaugh in numerous big games.
Those pictures appear to show Stalions holding a laminated sheet that shows various hand signals from the opposing teams.
Connor Stalions CAN NOT hide as a low level staffer. These pictures show him next to Michigans OC and the DC . Also with Jim Harbaugh. These photos taken at last years Ohio St. Game. This pig is all but done. All thats left is deciding what kinda sauce they gonna put on it. pic.twitter.com/OjtZhn9vn5
— DawgyStyleB2B🐶🏈🏆🏆🏆❤ (@DawgyStyle4uga) October 24, 2023
Michigan has since suspended Stalions and claimed that he was a low-level staffer who acted on his own.
But the imagine appear to indicate otherwise.
What that means for Harbaugh is anyone’s guess. The NCAA could well decide not to do anything at all. But evidence continues to mount against the Wolverines head coach. And it’s not looking good.