Can the CFP selection committee distance itself from Michigan’s allegations?
In the first CFP ranking, the committee did not address the allegations surrounding football in Michigan. Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg discuss whether the committee needs to do this.
Connor Stalions, the Michigan Wolverines football staff member at the center of the program’s sign-stealing scandal, has resigned, according to a statement from the school.
“Connor Stalions resigned from Michigan Athletics this afternoon. We cannot comment further on this personnel matter.” Michigan said in a statement.
Prior to Michigan’s statement, multiple reports indicated that Stalions had been fired.
According to The Athletic, Stalions “refused to cooperate with any internal or external investigations or discussions.” According to the Associated Press, Stalions “did not appear at a scheduled hearing on Friday and informed the school through his attorney that he would not participate in any internal or external investigation.”
Stalions was accused of buying tickets to games against Michigan’s Big Ten Conference and possible future College Football Playoff opponents, and scouting and recording videos used to decode their in-game signals so the Wolverines could have an advantage in games. In-person scouting violates NCAA rules.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti met with Michigan President Santa Ono and athletic director Warde Manuel on Friday as the conference weighs whether to discipline the Wolverines’ football program over the scouting and sign-stealing scheme. Petitti was in Ann Arbor for the Big Ten Field Hockey Championships. Big Ten spokeswoman Diane Dietz confirmed to the AP that Petitti met with Ono and Warde but did not provide details.
Stalions, 28, a retired U.S. Marine Corps captain and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, is believed to have purchased tickets to nearly three dozen games under his real name over the past three seasons. According to ESPN.com, 12 different Big Ten schools were scouted and the use of electronics and a paper trail were also noted. Stallions then distributed tickets to others across the country and also used television broadcasts to promote the program. Central Michigan is investigating whether the Stalions were on the sidelines during their game against Michigan State.
Stalions was suspended with pay by the university two weeks ago. The NCAA is also investigating the allegations. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has denied any involvement in the sign-stealing scheme.
The No. 2-ranked Wolverines are scheduled to face Purdue on Saturday night in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In the first College Football Playoff rankings announced Tuesday, Michigan finished third behind Big Ten rival Ohio State and two-time defending champion Georgia.
Contribution: The Associated Press