Connor Stalions, the Michigan Wolverines football staff member involved in the sign-stealing controversy, has resigned, as confirmed by a statement from the university.
Michigan stated, “Connor Stalions resigned his position with Michigan Athletics this afternoon. We are unable to comment further regarding this personnel matter.”
Prior to Michigan’s official statement, there were reports suggesting that Stalions had been fired.
Reports from The Athletic indicated that Stalions “refused to cooperate with any internal or external investigations or discussions.” The Associated Press reported that Stalions “failed to show up for a scheduled hearing on Friday and informed the school through his attorney that he would not participate in any internal or external investigations.”
Stalions has been accused of buying tickets to games against Michigan’s Big Ten Conference and possible future College Football Playoff opponents, scouting and recording video that would be used to decode their in-game signals so the Wolverines could have an advantage in games. In-person scouting is against NCAA rules.
Stalions’ attorney, Brad Beckworth, explained that Stalions chose to resign because the recent stories and controversies regarding his tenure at the University of Michigan had become a distraction for the team.
In an effort to help the team and coaching staff focus on the upcoming game and the rest of the season, Stalions resigned. He also wants to clarify that, to the best of his knowledge, neither Coach Jim Harbaugh nor any other coach or staff member instructed anyone to violate any rules or were aware of any improper conduct related to the recent allegations of advanced scouting. the Michigan Wolverines
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti met with Michigan President Santa Ono and athletic director Warde Manuel to discuss the potential discipline for the Wolverines’ football program regarding the scouting and sign-stealing scheme. This meeting took place as part of the conference’s consideration of potential actions. Big Ten spokeswoman Diane Dietz confirmed the meeting but did not provide specific details.