The most infamous man in college football had plans for Saturday. He was set to attend Saturday's massive tilt between No. 3 Ohio State and No. 7 Penn State at Ohio Stadium -- but not together. The tickets were on opposite ends of the stadium, giving Stalions clear views of both sidelines. He ultimately did not use the tickets, for reasons that are now obvious.
According to an explosive report from ESPN on Monday, eleven different Big Ten schools say Michigan analyst Connor Stalions purchased tickets to a total of 30 different conference games (none involving Michigan) over the past three years. In some cases where Stalions purchased tickets to multiple games on the same day, the schools say they have data proving he transferred tickets to other, unnamed individuals.
The report details a clear M.O. for the former Marine Corps captain: He would purchase tickets, in his own name, through a third party such as StubHub or SeatGeek, near the 45-yard line with a clear view of the sideline.
According to the report, at least one Big Ten school has video surveillance of Stalions filming its sideline with his smart phone over the course of the entire game.
The NCAA is expected to be presented with video evidence of Stalions (and perhaps others) illegally using technology to film opponents, per the report.
It is unknown at this time if Michigan reimbursed Stalions for the tickets and travel to the stadiums. As an off-field analyst, Michigan's website says he is paid $55,000 a year. He is currently suspended with pay.
Jim Harbaugh has denied knowledge of Stalions's alleged activities, while Michigan says it will cooperate fully with the NCAA and the Big Ten over the course of the investigation.
The Big Ten will be under significant pressure to act against Michigan, and in defense of fellow league members which the Wolverines allegedly victimized, all while the the 2nd-ranked Wolverines are in pursuit of a third straight Big Ten championship. Michigan is off this week, but will face both Penn State and Ohio State in hotly contested -- and now tainted -- battles.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.