NCAA at Michigan for sign-stealing investigation, sources say - ESPN

An NCAA enforcement staff has been at the University of Michigan this week to look into the sign-stealing probe, sources told ESPN.

The arrival of NCAA enforcement just a week after the investigation formally launched is an indication of the priority the case has taken, according to ESPN sources.

The Big Ten confirmed last week that the NCAA was investigating «allegations of sign stealing by the University of Michigan football program.» Since then, Michigan has suspended Connor Stalions, an analyst making $55,000 a year whom ESPN had identified as one of the key people in the probe.

ESPN previously reported that Stalions purchased tickets to games at 12 of 13 possible Big Ten schools, the 2021 and 2022 SEC title games, and games in four campus stadiums tied to College Football Playoff contenders last season. Overall, Stalions left a paper trail of at least 35 games at 17 stadiums around the country, according to sources.

A source confirmed to ESPN that the NCAA has begun to search the electronics of Michigan football staff members, which was first reported by The Detroit News. ESPN reported last week that the NCAA had immediate interest in Stalions' computer, and it appears the scope of the NCAA's interest has expanded.

ESPN also reported that the NCAA received stadium surveillance video this week that a person sitting in the seat purchased by Stalions was using electronics to film a game, which is not allowed under NCAA rules.

The Washington Post reported this week that an outside investigative firm approached the NCAA on Oct. 17 and presented extensive evidence of a Michigan signal-stealing operation. The NCAA investigation officially began the next day, and the Post reported it's not known who hired the outside firm