The day after reports emerged indicating that Michigan is likely facing significant charges tied to the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal, former Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh took a bold stance.
Having stepped down to become the head coach of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers after leading Michigan to a national championship last season, Harbaugh has consistently denied any knowledge of Stalions’ sign-stealing activities. He was named in a draft of an NCAA Notice of Allegations that was released on Sunday, but addressed reporters on Monday, stating that he “did not participate” in any sign-stealing.
“I’ve always believed in integrity: Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal. That’s how I was raised,” Harbaugh emphasized, as reported by Daniel Popper of The Athletic. “I’ve instilled that in my family and have taught it to the teams I’ve coached. We all make mistakes, and when we do, we should apologize and rectify the situation.
“Today, I stand firm. I do not apologize. I was not involved, nor was I aware of or complicit in these alleged activities. Now, it’s time to return to work with unmatched enthusiasm.”
During the 2023 season, Harbaugh was suspended for two games: once for recruiting infractions unrelated to sign-stealing, and again for the revelation of the Stalions incident in November. As per an ESPN article, he is anticipated to face charges of a Level I NCAA infraction, albeit for his non-cooperation with the investigation instead of any proof of misconduct.
After it was revealed that Stalions assisted in setting up a well-funded, intricate, multi-state operation to intercept signals from upcoming Wolverines opponents by sitting in the seats or obtaining sideline access at games, he was sacked or resigned from his position as an offensive analyst for Michigan in November. It has been stated that stalions, or agents whose access he had obtained, would film footage of the team’s signals on smartphones (which is prohibited by NCAA regulations) in the hopes of subsequently deciphering them for use against Michigan.
The NCAA Notice of Allegations draft includes the names of four former assistant coaches or support staff members in addition to Harbaugh and Stalions. Sherrone Moore, the head coach of Michigan and the Wolverines’ offensive coordinator the previous season, is also named. Moore admitted last year to recruiting within the 2020 COVID dead period. He is accused of deleting a string of 52 text messages to and from Stalions. Moore may be suspended as a “repeat violator” of NCAA regulations.
On August 27, “Sign Stealer,” a documentary about the Stalions case, is anticipated to debut on Netflix.
