The recent Michigan sign-stealing saga has stirred up a storm of speculations and theories in the college football arena. The initial suspicion naturally gravitated towards Big Ten rivals, especially Ohio State’s Ryan Day. Yet, a surprising theory emerged, suggesting the leak might be coming from an unexpected corner.
Bestselling author and University of Michigan insider, John U. Bacon, shared his perspective on 97.1 The Fan’s Morning Juice. Instead of pointing to the usual suspects, Bacon introduced the possibility that Michigan alum, Jim Stapleton, could be the source of the information about the NCAA’s investigation. Bacon stated:
“They’re getting leaks like crazy from the NCAA. Watch a guy named Jim Stapleton,” Bacon said. “Jim Stapleton is a Michigan alum who blackballed Harbaugh when he was [interviewing] with the Minnesota Vikings because [Stapleton] was on the board for the Minnesota Vikings. He now got himself onto the NCAA Infractions Committee and he hates Jim Harbaugh. It doesn’t matter who the source is or if it’s right or wrong. If Michigan did it, they’ll still pay a price. That’s not the point. You can’t kill the messenger. But as far as the leaking goes, I would guarantee you that’s where it’s coming from.”
BREAKING: Michigan alum and NCAA Infractions Committee Member Jim Stapleton is believed to be the whistleblower who tipped off the NCAA about the Michigan sign-stealing scandal
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) October 25, 2023
This has allowed individual schools to gather additional evidence and submit it to the NCAA. pic.twitter.com/4Xxg6tNl0a
Bacon’s connection with Stapleton isn’t new. He discussed him in his 2011 book, Three and Out: Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan Wolverines in the Crucible of College Football. The book broached allegations of Stapleton possibly undermining Rodriguez’s time at Michigan, a notion Stapleton denied. Moreover, Bacon shed light on how Stapleton might have used his influence as a Vikings minority owner to deter the franchise from hiring Harbaugh following the 2021 season.
The NCAA website verifies Stapleton’s current term on the NCAA’s infractions committee. While the underlying reasons for any potential discord between Harbaugh and Stapleton remain speculative, Michigan message boards are abuzz with Bacon’s latest revelations.
With this evolving narrative, layers of intrigue are added to the unfolding drama. But, as Bacon aptly reminded listeners, the focal point should be the authenticity and relevance of the information, rather than its source.
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I hear everyone is doing it. They are picking on U of M cause they are winning. Michigan has talent they don’t need to still signs. They are just jealous that we are winning. This BS just needs to stop.
Hi Rose, thanks for sharing your opinions. It does seem like it may be a targeted attack on Michigan. Only time will tell how severe the consequences are.
It’s so sad that this hatred can go so far. This is the best TEAM in the true sense in all of college football. My high school team went to our next opponent’s games to scout them. And while a blind eye has been used for Ohio State, Alabama, and USC paying players, graduating guys that can’t even read, it comes to this. Go Blue. Kick all there asses and give Jim (Bo) a contract to show your support.