Michigan staffer at center of sign-stealing probe purchased tickets to 11 Big Ten schools' games: report

The latest development coming from the suspended Michigan Wolverines football staff member at the center of a sign-stealing probe has him purchasing tickets to more than 30 games at 11 different Big Ten schools over the past three seasons, according to a media report.

ESPN learned that Connor Stalions, who was suspended with pay by Michigan, was found to have purchased the tickets and sent them to at least three different individuals in different parts of the country.

The tickets that were purchased by Stalions were as recent as this past week’s game between Ohio State and Penn State, though ESPN reports that the tickets were not used on Saturday.

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The NCAA is also expected to get video evidence that people in those seats purchased by Stalions used illegal scouting technology; an opposing Big Ten school used in-stadium video surveillance to see a person in the seat using a smartphone positioned at the home team’s sideline for the entirety of the game.

Michigan was never the opponent in the game where tickets were purchased by Stalions, sources said to ESPN. However, the tickets were purchased for games where the opponents were facing Michigan later in the season, with the position of the seats "somewhere around the 45-yard line and raised up enough for a clear view of the opposite sideline."

MICHIGAN SUSPENDED FOOTBALL ANALYST AMID NCAA INVESTIGATION OVER ALLEGED SIGN STEALING

"The Big Ten conference considers the integrity of competition to be of the utmost importance. Due to the ongoing nature of the NCAA investigation, the conference has no comment at this time," the league said in a statement Monday, per ESPN. 

Stalions was suspended with pay one day after the NCAA launched an investigation into sign-stealing allegations, which athletic director Warde Manuel announced. Stalions is an off-field analyst with the football team, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Yahoo Sports initially reported that Michigan sent people to games of teams on their schedule to gather information on signs used to call plays on offense and defense. 

"I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter," Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday. "I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment."

Harbaugh added, "I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules. No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules."

Michigan has been dealing with NCAA discipline already this season, with Harbaugh serving a self-imposed three-game suspension amid an investigation into impermissible contact with recruits.

With that investigation ongoing, these allegations could be added to the mix, which may lead to greater punishment for Harbaugh and the program depending on how the investigation finishes.

The Wolverines are No. 2 on the AP Top 25 poll with the Purdue Boilermakers on the schedule for Nov. 4 in Ann Arbor.

NFL announces Dolphins as HBO 'Hard Knocks' in-season team for 2023

HBO's "Hard Knocks" is staying in the AFC East this year as the Miami Dolphins have been chosen as the franchise that will be the subject of the popular show's in-season edition.

The NFL made the announcement on Monday after the Dolphins' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on "Sunday Night Football," adding that more details will come on the show's first episode to air on HBO and MAX.

The New York Jets got the "Hard Knocks" all-access treatment this offseason during their training camp battles. It was a perfect way to view Aaron Rodgers' journey since being traded from the Green Bay Packers and getting connected with his new teammates on the practice and playing fields.

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Of course, that storyline has hit the back burner this season with Rodgers tearing his Achilles just four plays into his Jets tenure. Meanwhile, one of the biggest storylines early this season has been the explosive Dolphins offense and how they could be true Super Bowl contenders with a current record of 5-2.

The Dolphins have a charismatic group that starts with their quirky head coach, Mike McDaniel, whose nonchalant, fun personality is a stark opposite compared to many with the same position around the league.

DOLPHINS COACH MIKE MCDANIEL SHUTS DOWN SUGGESTION TUA TAGOVAILOA IS A SYSTEM QUARTERBACK

But teams don't care about his personality because it's his offensive scheming that has been baffling them on the field since he took over the role last season, following a stint as the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator.

McDaniel told reporters Monday that he learned the Dolphins had been selected as the "Hard Knocks’ team earlier in the day, and while many others scoff at having cameras in the building while striving for a Vince Lombardi trophy, he said there can be positives for his young squad.

McDaniel expects filming to begin once the Dolphins return from Germany, where they will be this week to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Frankfurt.

McDaniel's offense is all about speed, which is embodied by star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is one of the most fun faces in the league on and off the field.

Working alongside fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle, Hill's ability to simply blow by defenses has been utilized by McDaniel, who has trusted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to lead the group on the field since he took over as head coach last season.

The Dolphins' defense also features stars at multiple positions, including Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard at cornerback, Christian Wilkins and Bradley Chubb on the defensive line and many more. 

Unlike the Arizona Cardinals last year and the Indianapolis Colts before them, the Dolphins are pegged by many to make the playoffs this season. It's just a matter of what seed they will end up with.

They did so last year as a wild card after going 9-8 in McDaniel's inaugural season, falling to the Buffalo Bills on the road in the wild-card round. McDaniel didn't have Tagovailoa at quarterback for that game, instead being forced to go with rookie Skylar Thompson with backup Teddy Bridgewater injured as well.

Miami is looking to prove they are the powerhouse many believe they can be, and that will be seen by NFL fans around the world with behind-the-scenes looks at what makes one of the most electric franchises in the league tick.

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