Michigan staffer Connor Stalions boasted about bond with HC Jim Harbaugh's son Jay Harbaugh, Chris Partridge with sign-stealing 'abilities': Reports
As more details continue to emerge about Michigan staff Connor Stalions and the sign-stealing scandal, the worse it seems to get.
Stalions has been suspended for illegally traveling to games and filming opponents' signals to get the Michigan Wolverines an advantage. However, the motive has become clear now.
Sports Illustrated's Richard Johnson has reported that suspended Michigan assistant staffer Connor Stalions was working on a manifesto to run the Wolverines program and texted it to people back in 2021.
However, he was also getting an "in" with assistant special teams coach Jay Harbaugh, the son of coach Jim Harbaugh, as well as linebackers coach Chris Partridge.
"The specific act Stalions described - deciphering opponents' signals off of TV footage - is not against NCAA rules. In the last week, though, the now suspended Michigan staffer has become a household name across college football following accusations and reports that he orchestrated an elaborate scheme to place unnamed associates of his in stadiums of Michigan's opponents to scout and, in some cases, film opposing coaches' signals (both acts very much against the rules)."
This originally was believed to be something that people would believe the higher ups of the program would want to help continue dominating college football.
However, it seems as if Stalions' goal was to get power within the program to rise up the ranks.
"Stalions, now 28, revealed that he was part of a small group of people ... who were putting their heads together on a long-term plan to run the Michigan football program.
"Stalions claimed to have a Google document between 550 and 600 pages long that he managed daily, containing a blueprint for the Wolverines' future. He referred the document as a movement more than a plan, dubbing it 'the Michigan Manifesto.'" H/t On3
Whatever the actual reasoning and intent behind Stalions' actions was, it seems like Michigan is going to be hit with some swift penalties.
What makes stealing signs illegal, and why is Connor Stalions suspended?
This is a question a lot of people who do not understand the rules of college football are asking.
The fact he's stealing signs appears fine, getting a competitive advantage is always a benefit. However, doing so electronically and having the NCAA rules that he cannot be in attendance for opponent's games is the big issue.
With the "manifesto" as huge as it reportedly is, this is something that can ruin careers. The Michigan Wolverines already had coach Jim Harbaugh suspended for the first three games of the season due to an NCAA violation, so what's stopping that from happening again?
It's getting linked with the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal that happened in MLB a handful of years ago where the team admitted to stealing signals electronically and knowing what pitch was coming. If they do it legally, it's fine but using technology and breaking rules is where the issues arise.
It will be interesting to see how the NCAA wants to handle Connor Stalions and if they make an example out of the Michigan Wolverines.