NCAA has apparent video evidence in Michigan sign-stealing scandal

The NCAA appears to have more evidence of Michigan’s alleged sign-stealing scheme, which has expanded beyond the Big Ten.

The NCAA has been sent video — that is at least an hour in length — showing a person in the stands at a game appearing to record the home sideline with a phone, ESPN reported.

The ticket was purchased by Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who is the alleged mastermind of the plot, which includes the current football season.

According to ESPN, “an opposing Big Ten school looked up in-stadium surveillance video from a game earlier this year, and sources said the person in the seat of the ticket purchased by Stalions held his smartphone up and appeared to film the home team’s sideline the entire game.”

The video evidence is expected to be used in the NCAA’s investigation, per ESPN.

Stalions also allegedly purchased tickets for games outside the Big Ten for four schools in the College Football Playoff or contenders for the playoffs, according to ESPN.

All of the tickets for games outside Michigan’s conference were purchased toward the middle and end of the 2022 season, per the report.

According to Yahoo, Stalions purchased a ticket to an Oct. 28, 2022, game that featured Kentucky and Tennessee, which was ranked No. 3 at the time.

Stalions also purchased tickets on the secondary market for the 2021 and 2022 SEC championship games, ESPN reported. 

Additionally, Stalions, according to ESPN, bought tickets to a 12th Big Ten school, meaning all but one conference member has a record of Stalions purchasing a ticket at their stadium. 

All of this comes after Stalions, who has been suspended by the school, was revealed to be at the center of the scandal. 

Stalions, hired by Michigan in May 2022, allegedly bought tickets in his own name and forwarded them to at least three other people across the country.

At least one person in the Big Ten expressed anger over the scandal and told ESPN that “everyone is mad.”

While the NCAA investigation is not expected to finish up until 2024, the Big Ten has the power to potentially take action against the university before the NCAA investigation is completed, according to ESPN. 

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh denied “illegally stealing signs” last week in a statement.

The Wolverines are the No. 2 team in the country and are a favorite to reach the College Football Playoff again.