Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson weighs in on Michigan sign-stealing saga

ALLEN PARK — When Aidan Hutchinson was initially questioned about the Michigan sign-stealing scandal after Thursday’s practice, he seemed hesitant to comment when speaking with reporters. However, when the topic resurfaced, the Detroit Lions defensive end shared his perspective.

“They’re doing all their investigations and they’re coming at Michigan when Michigan’s got a shot to win the national championship this year,” Hutchinson told reporters. “So I don’t know. It is what it is. I guess time will pass and people will forget about it and move on once we’re the (Big Ten) champs again.”

When asked if he felt there was a vendetta to attack the university, he offered “probably.”

Last week, Michigan suspended analyst Connor Stalions pending the conclusion of an NCAA investigation into illegal in-person scouting and sign stealing. The retired former US Marine Corps member, who transitioned from a super fan to a full-time staffer, is at the center of the NCAA probe.

It was reported that Stalions purchased tickets in his own name for more than 30 games over the last three years at 11 Big Ten schools, using electronics to steal signs, which is a violation of NCAA rules.

Photos and videos of Stalions have surfaced, showing him with papers in hand, often standing next to head coach Jim Harbaugh or defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. These images suggested that he was either decoding, or at least attempting to decode, the opponent’s signals during games.

In Hutchinson’s view, he believes the investigation is much ado about nothing and alleges that it stems from a distaste for Michigan’s recent success over the past couple of years under head coach Jim Harbaugh. He also offered that Michigan was also the victim of their signs being stolen throughout the conference also.

“People are always stealing signs in college football,” Hutchinson said. “People stole our signs. Other Big Ten schools stole our signs. It’s just a thing when you’re in college football, so I mean, not any more than anybody else did as far as I’m concerned.”

While Stalions was officially hired by the University as a full-time staff member in 2022, holding the title of administrative specialist, his alleged involvement in the scandal dates back to 2021, coinciding with Hutchinson’s time at Michigan. When he asked if he had any connection to Stalions, Hutchinson stated that he did not.

“I didn’t have a relationship with him,” Hutchinson offered. “It’s kind of just one of the coaches upstairs that you don’t really ever see, so I don’t think any of the players really had a relationship with him ever.”