Michigan has suspended – with pay – recruiting analyst Connor Stalions, who is at the center of an NCAA investigation into an alleged sign-stealing plot within the Wolverines’ football program.
Stalions, who was identified Thursday by ESPN as a person of interest to the NCAA, joined Michigan’s football program last season in the recruiting department, though he was reportedly known within the building as someone who spent time breaking down opposing team’s signs and signals. The rule that is alleged to have been broken is NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which says that “off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.”
The Big Ten notified Michigan State before its game against the Wolverines on Saturday, as well as all of Michigan’s future opponents. The Spartans initially told the Big Ten they might not play in the game due to concern for the safety of their players, but later confirmed they would play in the game.
“I want to personally assure you that U-M Athletics will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter,” athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement Thursday. “At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all members of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff and student-athletes. Given ongoing investigation, I’ll have no further comments at this time.”
