Report: Suspended Michigan staffer Connor Stalions bragged about sign stealing in text messages

Suspended Michigan staffer Connor Stalions was apparently fairly open about his efforts to steal signs from opposing teams, according to a new report.

Richard Johnson of SINow obtained a string of text messages sent in January and February 2021 between Stalions and a former student at a Power Five school who was seeking to break in to the college football industry. Stalions bragged about his connections to Michigan coaches, including special teams coach Jay Harbaugh, the son of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Stalions also openly bragged about his efforts to steal opponents’ signals.

“Pre-covid, stole opponent signals during the week watching tv copies then flew to the game and stood next to [then Michigan offensive coordinator Josh] Gattis and told him what coverage/pressure he was gettin,” Stalions wrote in one text message.

It is important to note that the method of sign stealing Stalions describes here is not illegal. Where Stalions allegedly crossed a line is by buying tickets to rival games and using electronic means to steal their signals and pass them along to Michigan’s staff. Still, any admission from Stalions that he was heavily involved in stealing signals — even legally — is unlikely to help him much.

Stalions is currently suspended with pay by Michigan as the NCAA investigates the allegations. His alleged efforts were continuing right up until the moment word of the investigation went public.