In August 2024, the University of Michigan received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA concerning a sign-stealing scandal involving former football analyst Connor Stalions. The NCAA’s draft notice accused Stalions of orchestrating a scheme to steal opponents’ signals through prohibited in-person scouting and recording, actions that allegedly violated principles of honesty and sportsmanship. The university was given 90 days to respond to these allegations. ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2024/08/25/sports/michigan-receives-notice-of-allegations-from-ncaa-over-sign-stealing-scandal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Stalions, a retired U.S. Marine Corps captain and lifelong Michigan fan, joined the Wolverines’ staff in 2022. He was accused of purchasing tickets to over 35 games involving future Michigan opponents, allegedly sending individuals to record play-calling signals from opposing teams’ sidelines. In October 2023, amid the NCAA’s investigation, Michigan suspended Stalions with pay. He resigned from his position in November 2023, stating that he did not want to be a distraction to the team’s championship aspirations. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/michigan-big-ten-sign-stealing-7b8bf1c599791b8d695d0d7b2676d4f8?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Throughout the investigation, Stalions maintained that he did not engage in advanced in-person scouting or direct others to attend games for recording purposes. He claimed that any signals he obtained were through permissible methods, such as analyzing television footage and communicating with other football analysts. Stalions emphasized that his approach was consistent with common practices in college football and denied any wrongdoing. ([abcnews.go.com](https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/stalions-obtain-signals-person-scouting/story?id=113172609&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who transitioned to coaching the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, consistently denied any knowledge of or involvement in the alleged sign-stealing activities. He emphasized his commitment to honesty and integrity, stating, “I do not apologize” in response to the allegations. Harbaugh had previously served a three-game suspension during the 2023 season related to separate NCAA recruiting violations. ([maizenbrew.com](https://www.maizenbrew.com/2024/8/5/24214069/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-ncaa-investigation-connor-stalions-sign-stealing-los-angeles-chargers?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The NCAA’s investigation into the sign-stealing allegations is ongoing, with Michigan actively contesting the accusations. The university has been cooperating with the NCAA’s inquiry and is preparing its formal response to the Notice of Allegations. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Michigan’s football program, including potential sanctions or penalties, depending on the findings and conclusions reached by the NCAA.
– [nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2024/08/25/sports/michigan-receives-notice-of-allegations-from-ncaa-over-sign-stealing-scandal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [decider.com](https://decider.com/2024/08/27/untold-sign-stealer-connor-stalions-netflix-documentary-movie-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [people.com](https://people.com/what-did-connor-stalions-do-michigan-sign-stealer-8699366?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
