REPORT: The NCAA's Evidence Against Michigan Staffer Includes Ticket Purchases, Video
It is expected that the University of Michigan will receive evidence this week from the NCAA regarding the investigation into sign-stealing by the football program. According to a report by ESPN's Pete Thamel, the NCAA has evidence that Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions - the individual at the heart of the investigation - purchased tickets to more than 30 games over the last three years that included 11 different Big Ten Schools.
Although Stalions didn't attend the games himself, Thamel's report indicates that an opposing Big Ten school reviewed the in-stadium surveillance video that showed a person in the seat of the ticket purchased by Stalions recording the game on his smartphone.
Additonally, Thamel's report indicates that Stalions purchased tickets on both sides of the stadium for last weekend's game between No. 7 Penn State and No. 3 Ohio State - and both seats were empty on Saturday.
Sources confirmed to ESPN that Stalions purchased tickets on both sides of the stadium -- across from each bench -- for Ohio State's game with Penn State on Saturday. Michigan plays both teams in upcoming weeks. According to sources, the tickets purchased by Stalions were not used on Saturday. Stalions' name emerged publicly in an ESPN story on Friday. He was suspended with pay by Michigan.
It remains to be seen what these latest developments will mean for the Michigan Football program as it relates to the NCAA investigation, but it certainly doesn't look good if the reporting correct.
Shortly after the NCAA's investigation was announced, head coach Jim Harbaugh issued a statement strongly denying any knowledge that illegal sign-stealing was taking place.
"I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter," Harbaugh said in a statement.
"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. I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action.
"I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules. No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules.
"Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place."
