Ex-Michigan staffer fires off GIF after team wins national championship

Michigan won the national championship over Washington

Former Michigan Wolverines football staffer Connor Stalions sent one post on social media as he watched the team wrap up a national championship against Washington on Monday night.

Stalions fired off a GIF of a man tipping his cap as the final whistle blew. It appeared to be icing on the cake for the former personnel member after he was ousted over his alleged involvement in a sign-stealing scheme that cast a dark cloud over the program during the season.

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Stalions was also seen in the stands with former Michigan linebacker Chase Winovich during the team’s Rose Bowl win over Alabama on New Year’s Day.

He resigned from the staff in November after he was accused of being the ringleader of the sign-stealing scheme.

Connor Stalions on sideline

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline beside off-field analyst Connor Stalions, pictured here, during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. (USA TODAY Sports)

Stalions reportedly purchased tickets to more than 30 games at 11 different Big Ten schools over the past three seasons, including this season. Michigan was not playing in any of the games for which Stalions bought tickets, sources told ESPN.

An unnamed former coach from college football's Division III then claimed Stalions gave him "a couple hundred dollars" for the recordings of the Wolverines' future opponents, ESPN reported. The coach added that he received free tickets and shared the footage via an iPhone photo album.

Jesse Minter and Connor Stalions

Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, right, watches against East Carolina as analytics assistant Connor Stalions looks on during an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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The former coach said he went to two Penn State football games and a Rutgers game.

Stalions was also alleged to be on the Central Michigan sideline when the team played Michigan State on Sept. 1, wearing a bench credential that said "VB," a visiting bench designation. This gives access for the credential holder to stand between the 20-yard lines, which is usually for players, coaches, team trainers and equipment staff. 

Stalions was initially suspended with pay by the school. He was an off-field analyst with the football team, according to his LinkedIn profile. He reportedly refused to cooperate with the investigations.

Connor Stalions with Jim Harbaugh

Ohio State's Julian Fleming, #4, runs with the football against. Michigan at Ohio Stadium. Football analyst Connor Stalions and head coach Jim Harbaugh look on in the background. (David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for three games over the scandal. He returned to lead the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship and later Rose Bowl and national championship wins.

Fox News' Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Authored by Ryan Gaydos via FoxNews January 9th 2024