Report: University of Michigan staffer purchased tickets to Oregon game in 2022
It looks as if the Oregon Ducks are being included in one of the biggest stories in the college football world relating to the Michigan Wolverines and an apparent sign-stealing scandal that has unfolded over the last week.
The notorious University of Michigan staff member who has been at the center of the controversy over the last week, Connor Stalions, reportedly had intentions of scouting the Oregon Ducks a year ago, hoping to give a competitive edge to the Wolverines in a potential College Football Playoff scenario.
According to Mercury News reporter Jon Wilner, and later confirmed by The Oregonian’s James Crepea, Stalions purchased tickets to the Oregon home game between the Ducks and Washington Huskies in 2022. At the time, Oregon was ranked No. 6 in the nation and had a clear path forward to a spot in the Playoff.
Both Wilner and Crepea report that the purchased seats were behind the visitor’s bench inside Autzen Stadium, with a clear look at the Oregon sideline.
The Big Ten announced last week that Michigan is under NCAA investigation for the alleged sign-stealing operation. Stalions, the staffer who was reported at the center of this operation, has been suspended indefinitely.
ESPN has confirmed that Stalions purchased tickets to more than 35 games at 17 stadiums around the country. He has been reportedly seen in videos sitting in the stands of multiple games, videotaping the opposing sideline in hopes of picking up signals for future opponents, which is against NCAA rules.
In-game sign stealing is not prohibited under NCAA rules but rather is believed to be widely practiced and tolerated in the sport. However, the use of electronics to record the signals of opposing teams and in-person advance scouting at opponents’ stadiums is prohibited.
In a statement last week, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh denied “illegally stealing signs” and said he had never “directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment.”
To read more, check out USA TODAY’s Wolverines Wire for full coverage.
