Current:Home > NewsNo. 2 Michigan suspends staffer after NCAA launches investigating into allegations of sign-stealing -FundTrack
No. 2 Michigan suspends staffer after NCAA launches investigating into allegations of sign-stealing
View
Date:2025-04-16 03:44:12
No. 2 Michigan announced Friday it has suspended a low-level football program employee a day after disclosing it is under NCAA investigation for allegedly stealing the play-calling signals used by Wolverines opponents.
Athletic director Warde Manuel issued a one-sentence statement saying that analytics assistant Connor Stalions had been suspended with pay pending the conclusion of the NCAA investigation. Stalions had not been previously identified by the school, but was named in an ESPN report alleging he is a key figure in the probe.
A person who has been briefed on the allegations against Michigan confirmed to The Associated Press that the investigation is focused on Stalions and whether he was involved in sending people to the games of Michigan’s opponents to take videos of teams using sideline signals. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no one was authorized to speak publicly about the NCAA’s investigation.
The Wolverines (7-0), who started their season with coach Jim Harbaugh serving a university-imposed three-game suspension for a still unresolved NCAA infractions case, play at Michigan State on Saturday. Harbaugh denied any knowledge or involvement in plotting to steal signs.
“I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment,” Harbaugh said Thursday. “I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action.”
Michigan is coming off two straight playoff appearances under Harbaugh and is tied with No. 1 Georgia as the odds-on favorite to win the national title, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
NCAA rules do not directly ban the stealing of signs. There are rules against using electronic equipment to record an opponent’s signals, but what’s mostly at issue with Michigan is NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1: “Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.” There are also bylaws prohibiting unsportsmanlike or unethical activities.
The Big Ten notified all of Michigan’s remaining opponents and all of the games will be played.
“As we look forward to the football game this Saturday, we are chagrined by the news of the NCAA investigation and we echo the Big Ten Conference’s commitment to integrity,” interim Michigan State President Teresa Woodruff said in a statement. “The allegations are concerning., but will be handled through the NCAA’s process.”
___
Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com. Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here
___
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
veryGood! (6)
Related
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- IEA Says U.S. Could Become Desert Solar Leader—With Right Incentives
- 10 Sweet Treats to Send Mom Right in Time for Mother's Day
- Olympic Medalist Tori Bowie Dead at 32
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Kevin Hart Shares Update on Jamie Foxx After Medical Complication
- Pfizer asks FDA to greenlight new omicron booster shots, which could arrive this fall
- Puerto Rico: Hurricane Maria Laid Bare Existing ‘Inequalities and Injustices’
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Encore: An animal tranquilizer is making street drugs even more dangerous
Ranking
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Look Back on King Charles III's Road to the Throne
- Late-stage cervical cancer cases are on the rise
- Missing resident from Davenport, Iowa, building collapse found dead, officials confirm
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Costume Designers Reveal the Wardrobe's Hidden Easter Eggs
- How realistic are the post-Roe abortion workarounds that are filling social media?
- Europe’s Hot, Fiery Summer Linked to Global Warming, Study Shows
Recommendation
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
Today’s Climate: May 12, 2010
Cloudy Cornwall’s ‘Silicon Vineyards’ aim to triple solar capacity in UK
States with the toughest abortion laws have the weakest maternal supports, data shows
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Queen Charlotte's Tunji Kasim Explains How the Show Mirrors Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Story
20 AAPI-Owned Makeup & Skincare Brands That Should Be in Your Beauty Bag
20 AAPI-Owned Makeup & Skincare Brands That Should Be in Your Beauty Bag