Connor Stalions releases statement following resignation amid Michigan sign-stealing scandal
On Friday, Connor Stalions resigned from the Michigan football coaching staff. Later that day, Stalions and his attorney provided statements to The Athletic.
“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,” Stalion’s attorney, Brad Beckworth of Nix Patterson, said. “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.”
Stalions was investigated by the NCAA after reports arose of the Michigan staff “sign-stealing.” Stalions allegedly bought tickets to four different campus games of four College Football Playoff contenders last year.
Additionally, there are records of SEC title game ticket purchases from 2021 and 2022. Finally, twelve of the other 13 Big Ten schools have record of Stalions buying tickets. Stalions reportedly did not cooperate with any internal or external investigations or discussions.
“I love the University of Michigan and its football program,” Stalions said in a statement provided to The Athletic. “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.”
Big Ten entities pushed for Connor Stalions’ punishment
News of Stalions’ resignation came this week after Big Ten coaches and athletic directors met with commissioner Tony Petitti about the situation. On a Wednesday call — which included Harbaugh, who hung up to let the other speak freely — coaches urged Petitti to take action against the Wolverines.
A day later, the athletic directors echoed a similar sentiment and discussed a possible suspension for Harbaugh rather than punishing the players. No decision was made, though.
“The athletic directors had a clear message — we believe the conference needs to step up,” a source told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Without Stalions on the sideline, Michigan will square off against Purdue at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on NBC.
On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.