Michigan football investigation: a statement from Connor Stalions

Yesterday, after the Big Ten met with the University of Michigan amid the Michigan football investigation into alleged sign-stealing, Connor Stalions resigned from his position as a recruiting analyst with the Maize and Blue. Stalions, who is at the heart of the Wolverines’ alleged illegal sign-stealing scandal, is reportedly not cooperating with the school and claims that he resigned because he does not want to be a distraction for the team any longer.

Michigan football investigation: a statement from Connor Stalions

Amid the chaos that has been the Michigan football investigation into alleged illegal sign-stealing tactics, Connor Stalions released a statement following his resignation from the Michigan football program on Friday night.

“As he (Connor Stalions) 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,” read a statement from Stalions’ attorney. “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 (Jim) 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.”

Another statement via The Athletic

In his own statement, Stalions explained why he chose to leave the University of Michigan football program amid scandal. He doubled down on his claim that Jim Harbaugh, nor any other coach, ever told him to break NCAA rules that prohibit advanced scouting of future opponents.

“I love the University of Michigan and its football program,” Stalions said in a statement, per The Athletic. “And I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with the incredible student-athletes, Coach (Jim) 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.”

This evening, Michigan football will face Purdue at the Big House — a game that is slated for a 7:30 PM kickoff (ET). It will be the Wolverines’ final home game before a crucial two-game road stretch against No. 11 Penn State and Maryland.

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