Connor Stalions, the recruiting analyst at the center of the sign-stealing scandal around the Michigan Wolverines football team, resigned his position on Friday.
Shortly after that decision was made, both Stalions and his attorney, Brad Beckworth, issued statements on the matter.
“I love the University of Michigan and its football program,” Stalions said in a statement, shared by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. “And I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with the incredible student athletes, Coach Harbaugh and the other coaches that have been a part of the Michigan family during my tenure. I do not want to be a distraction from what I hope will be a championship run for the team, and I will continue to cheer them on.”
“As he informed the school earlier today, Connor chose to resign because recent stories regarding his time with the University of Michigan have created a distraction for the team. He hopes his resignation will help the team and coaching staff focus on tomorrow’s game and the remainder of the season. Connor also wants to make it clear that, to his knowledge, neither Coach Harbaugh, nor any other coach or staff member, told anyone to break any rules or were aware of improper conduct regarding the recent allegations of advanced scouting.”
When the news of Stalions’ departure from Michigan football team was announced on Friday, the reaction to the news generally indicated that people felt Stalions fell on the sword for the Wolverines. So, what did these statements do to that perception?
Absolutely nothing.
True believer willing to sacrifice himself to the cause. Too bad everybody with eyeballs knows it's not just him. https://t.co/oNho6oWDDs
— Matt Baxendell (@MattBaxendell) November 4, 2023
Ultimately, more investigations into this matter will be done and with that, how truthful Stalions and his attorney are being will certainly become more clear.