The University of Michigan last week suspended football analyst Connor Stalions amid allegations he headed a sign-stealing operation against Wolverines foes.
This week, multiple media outlets have reported that Stalions had Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee filmed as well since they were potential Michigan opponents in the College Football Playoff. Josh Heupel’s Volunteers were No. 1 in the initial CFP rankings last season but fell out of contention following November losses at Georgia and South Carolina.
“I really just heard of this a little while ago that it had happened,” Heupel said Wednesday during his appearance on the Southeastern Conference’s weekly teleconference. “It’s obviously something where offensively, defensively and special teams, you try and hide your signals and constantly change them up and make sure nobody is getting a beat on you. For us, it’s obviously important, because it’s the form of communication we have with our guys who are out on the field.”
Sports Illustrated reported Wednesday that Stalions purchased one ticket to Tennessee’s 44-6 victory over Kentucky last October inside Neyland Stadium and transferred it three minutes later to a person who attended the game in a seat that faced the sideline of the Vols. That same outlet reported that Stalions bought tickets to the last two SEC title games, which have been won by Alabama and Georgia.
“I don’t have a lot of information or background on all this sign-stealing stuff,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “I’m kind of focused on our team. Back in the old days when I was in the NFL, there was a time you could send out a scout and scout a game and personnel and that type of thing. I don’t think it was geared towards sign-stealing, but that was allowed before they changed that rule.”