According to Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports, Michigan, “recruiting analyst” Connor Stalions was fired by the University amid an NCAA cheating probe into the program.
Stalions, who has been at the center of the Michigan cheating scandal, is accused of in-person scouting where he would attend games of future Michigan opponents and film the signs being used on the sidelines. Purdue has reported that Stallions bought tickets to six of their games over the past two seasons, and apparently has video evidence of the now-former Michigan staffer filming their sidelines.
Central Michigan and the NCAA are also investigating a claim that Stallions was on the CMU sideline scouting Michigan State earlier in the season. These accusations stem from photos that have recently surfaced of what looks to be Stallions pulling off his best Bobby Valentine impersonation while simultaneously pretending to be a Central Michigan staffer.
Stalions is accused of buying over 30 tickets to college football games, including 11 to Big Ten opponents in the last three seasons. ESPN writes of an “extensive paper trail” which includes text messages and Venmo receipts alluding to the idea that Stalions didn’t act alone in purchasing the tickets considering he made just over $50,000 a year. An unnamed D-III coach even came forward last week accusing Stalions of paying him thousands of dollars to essentially fill in at games he couldn’t attend.
Stalions had recently been suspended with pay while the NCAA conducted its investigation.
Conor Stalions defends Harbaugh in statement
Former Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions released a statement through his attorney after it was revealed tonight that he was no longer employed by the program.
“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,” Stalions’ attorney, Brad Beckworth, said Friday, according to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.
“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 (Jim) 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.”
