Connor Bedard is playing very well for a teenager on a lousy team. Very few have ever produced at his pace at his age yet it doesn’t seem to be enough for some commenters, even if the commenter is a pro Hockey Hall of Famer.
During the first intermission of Saturday afternoon’s match between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers, Mark Messier ripped on Anders Sorensen for putting Bedard out there on a power play after Sam Reinhart beat him on a goal.
Bedard lost a stick battle with Reinhart which led to him giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead. The thing about Reinhart is that he now has 30 goals on the season. Only Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers and Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets have more.
Messier talked about it destroying the morale of the team if you don’t earn your ice time as if Bedard doesn’t lead the team in scoring by 11 points. Not putting the leading scorer out on the power play is more likely to destroy the morale of a team.
Lots of people lose battles to Reinhart because he’s an elite goal scorer. Bedard wasn’t the first and he won’t be the last. It’s also not the last mistake he’ll ever make considering he’s a teenager (even veterans make mistakes).
Does Bedard have work to do defensively to round out his game? Absolutely. Most teenage forwards who are good enough to play in the NHL can say that. Do the Blackhawks need to bench their best offensive weapon (by far) on a power play because he lost a stick battle to a guy who had 60 goals last year? That would be a fireable offense.
Mark Messier was a great player who led by example on the ice, created a ton of offense, and won tons of Stanley Cup championships. With that said, he doesn’t have an understanding of how things go in today’s locker rooms.
The dynamics that existed in the 80s and 90s have changed. To say that Bedard hasn’t earned his ice time is an incorrect statement. He’s more than earned it.
You never bench Bedard. You celebrate his greatness while working on his weaknesses. He is going to be an elite player in the NHL for a long time.
In a shocking turn of events, hockey legend Mark Messier has called for young phenom Connor Bedard to be benched. Despite Bedard’s incredible skill and potential, Messier believes that the 17-year-old forward is not living up to expectations and needs to be held accountable for his performance.
Many fans and analysts have expressed outrage over Messier’s comments, arguing that Bedard is still developing as a player and should be given time to grow and improve. Bedard has already shown flashes of brilliance on the ice, leading his team in scoring and earning praise from coaches and teammates.
It remains to be seen how Bedard and his team will respond to Messier’s controversial remarks. Will this criticism motivate Bedard to step up his game, or will it shake his confidence and hinder his progress? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this call for Bedard to be benched has sparked a heated debate among hockey fans everywhere.
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Mark Messier, Connor Bedard, Benched, Hockey, NHL, Sports, Controversy, Opinion, Criticism, Player Development, Youth Talent, Hall of Famer, Leadership, Team Dynamics
Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, extended his support for his brother, Butler men’s basketball star, Patrick McCaffery’s mental health project. The Bulldogs forward made a post about the initiative on his Instagram page, which the older McCaffery, an assistant coach for the team, shared on his Instagram story on Thursday.
“I took time for my mental health. You can, too,” the post was captioned.
Connor McCaffery shares brother, Patrick’s mental health initiative on IG story. Image via @connor_m30
The McCaffery brothers are sons of legendary Iowa men’s basketball coach, Fran McCaffery. Connor played college basketball with the Hawkeyes before retiring from playing to become an assistant coach at Butler.
Like his older brother, Patrick began his collegiate career at Iowa before transferring to Butler for his senior year. Averaging 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 43.0 percent shooting per game this season, Patrick has established himself as a key member of the Bulldogs.
Connor McCaffery’s Butler defeat De Paul without GF Caitlin Clark in attendance
Butler men’s basketball’s 86-69 victory over DePaul must have been pleasing for assistant coach Connor McCaffery, who, though, didn’t have Caitlin Clark cheering from the stands.
Known as his “lucky charm,” Clark has become a regular presence in Butler’s games, showing her support for the team in both winning and challenging moments.
However, the Indiana Fever star was absent as the Bulldogs took down the Blue Demons inside the Hinkle Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 25. But the McCaffery family showed up for the game and even took photos together, which was shared on the team’s page on X.
The win is Butler’s second in three games, making it the first time the Bulldogs had consecutive wins at Hinkle Fieldhouse since four straight from Nov. 11-Dec. 3.
Pierre Brooks II scored a double-double to lead Butler with a career-high 29 points and 13 rebounds. Andre Screen recorded 17 points, scoring a perfect 7 for 7 from the field, and added eight rebounds.
Former Indiana basketball guard CJ Gunn had 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting and four rebounds while Patrick McCaffery contributed a career-high five assists.
Meanwhile, Butler failed to extend their winning streak after enduring a 10th loss in 12 games on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs fell to a 78-69 defeat to the No. 9 Marquette Golden Eagles despite making a strong start to the game.
Jahmyl Telfort led Butler with 24 points while Patrick McCaffery finished the game with 12 points after sparking a 14-0 run with two 3-pointers in the second half.
Up next, Butler (9-12, 2-8) will play Georgetown on Saturday, Feb. 1.
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It’s always heartwarming to see loved ones supporting each other, and that’s exactly what Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, is doing for his brother Patrick McCaffery’s mental health initiative.
Patrick, a basketball player at the University of Iowa, has been open about his struggles with mental health and has recently launched a campaign to raise awareness and support for mental health issues among student-athletes.
Connor, who also plays basketball for the University of Iowa, took to social media to show his support for his brother’s initiative, sharing resources and encouraging his followers to join the cause.
It’s inspiring to see the McCaffery brothers using their platform to make a difference and start important conversations about mental health. With the support of loved ones like Connor, we can all work towards creating a more caring and understanding community for those struggling with mental health issues.
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Caitlin Clark, Connor McCaffery, Patrick McCaffery, mental health initiative, support, family, Iowa basketball, Hawkeyes, college basketball, mental wellness, community outreach
It has just been about a couple of years since the world learned about the rather private Caitlin Clark’s lovely secret. However, when we look at the moments they have given us, no way has it only been two years for the two hoopers. From helping her through handling the stress of spotlight to celebrating her wins and going on leisure Mexican vacations with her, McCaffery has shown his love in various forms for the Des Moines native. But has he went down on one knee already?
Fans have been buzzing with speculation. Has the basketball power couple taken the next big step? While Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery seem inseparable, there’s no official word on an engagement just yet. Sorry to disappoint Caitlin fans, but for now, it’s just love and basketball, and love for basketball.
McCaffery’s basketball journey is one of grit and consistency, playing 166 games for the Hawkeyes, the second-most in college basketball history. Known for his high IQ and playmaking, he boasted a remarkable 3.59 assist-to-turnover ratio, the second-best ever in the NCAA. With basketball running in the family, his brothers Patrick and Jonathan are also carving out their own paths on the court.
This is a developing story…
Fact Check: Is Caitlin Clark Engaged to Connor McCaffery?
Rumors have been circulating recently that star basketball player Caitlin Clark is engaged to Iowa Hawkeyes basketball player Connor McCaffery. However, after conducting a thorough fact check, it has been confirmed that these rumors are false.
Both Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery have not made any public announcements regarding their relationship status, let alone an engagement. It is important to verify information before spreading rumors and false information.
Please refrain from believing everything you see on social media and only trust information from reliable sources. Let’s respect the privacy of these athletes and avoid spreading misinformation.
Kevin Costner’s Ex-Wife Christine Baumgartner Engaged Nearly One Year After Divorce
Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor are entering a new chapter together.
Christine—who was previously married to Kevin Costner—and the financier are now engaged, a source confirmed to E! News, with Josh, 49, surprising the handbag designer with a romantic beach dinner in Santa Barbara on Jan. 26.
“It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee,” the source continued, adding the proposal didn’t come as a surprise to their inner circle. “The couple has been going strong for over a year, spending Christmas in New York together last month where it all began.”
This news comes 11 months after Christine, 50, finalized her divorce to Kevin following a tense legal battle. Christine—who shares kids Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace, 14, with the Yellowstone alum—filed to end their 18-year marriage in May 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Months later, the split became more contentious as they disagreed over child support.
In a surprising turn of events, Kevin Costner’s ex-wife Christine Baumgartner is officially engaged to her longtime boyfriend Josh Connor. The couple, who have been dating for several years, recently made the decision to take their relationship to the next level and are thrilled to be planning their future together.
Christine and Kevin were married for 16 years before divorcing in 2021, and while their split was amicable, many fans were surprised to see Christine move on so quickly. However, those close to the couple say that Christine and Josh have been inseparable since they first met and are truly meant to be together.
The newly engaged couple has not yet announced a wedding date, but sources close to them say that they are planning a small, intimate ceremony with close friends and family. Congratulations to Christine and Josh on their engagement, and we wish them all the happiness in the world as they begin this new chapter of their lives together.
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Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner, Josh Connor, celebrity engagement, Hollywood news, celebrity relationships, Kevin Costner’s ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner engagement, Josh Connor relationship
Christine Baumgartner and her financier boyfriend, Josh Connor, are engaged, PEOPLE can exclusively confirm.
The couple’s engagement took place on January 26 during what Baumgartner, 50, thought was a simple intimate dinner for two in Santa Barbara.
But Connor, 49, had something even more romantic — and life-changing — in mind. “It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee,” a source close to the couple tells PEOPLE.
Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor were seen walking arm in arm in Montecito.
BACKGRID
Those in the couple’s inner circle weren’t surprised by the proposal. “They spent Christmas in New York together last month, where it all began. They are both over the moon and excited for their future together,” the source adds,
The pair was first spotted together in Hawaii during a romantic getaway in July 2023, fueling speculation about their budding romance. A friend of Baumgartner’s told PEOPLE they were dating in January 2024.
In Dec. 2024, a source told PEOPLE, “Christine and Josh’s relationship started as a friendship, so they have a really strong foundation. They share the same values, and she feels so happy and supported in this new relationship.” The source added: “They’re so in love. It’s been a very natural and positive step forward for Christine.”
Baumgartner’s friends have been incredibly supportive of her relationship Connor.
“Anyone who knows Christine knows how she has dedicated her life to her family. They do a lot together, and caring for her kids has remained very focus this whole time,” an insider shares. “Her friends and family have been incredibly supportive of her relationship with Josh, and everyone can tell how happy they are together. Now, everyone wants to know when and where the wedding will be!
The engagement comes a year after Baumgartner finalized her divorce from Kevin Costner on in February 2024d. The former couple was married for 18 years and share three children: Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace, 14.
Christine Baumgartner, the stunning model and wife of country music star Kevin Costner, is officially engaged to financier Josh Connor. The couple recently announced their exciting news in an exclusive interview with People magazine.
Baumgartner, who has been married to Costner for over 17 years, has found love once again with Connor, a successful financier based in New York City. The couple reportedly met through mutual friends and quickly hit it off, bonding over their shared interests and values.
In the interview, Baumgartner expressed her happiness and excitement about her engagement to Connor, stating, “I am thrilled to have found love again with Josh. He is a true partner in every sense of the word, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.”
Connor, who is known for his philanthropic work and dedication to his career, also shared his joy about their engagement, saying, “Christine is an incredible woman, and I am grateful every day to have her in my life. I am looking forward to building a future together and creating new memories with her.”
The couple has not yet announced a wedding date, but sources close to them say they are planning a small and intimate ceremony with close family and friends. Congratulations to Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor on their engagement!
From the sounds of it, Michigan and the NCAA won’t have a resolution in regards to the investigation into the football program and its alleged illegal scouting and sign stealing scheme any time soon.
Yahoo Sports reported Tuesday that it obtained part of a 137-page document sent from U-M officials to the NCAA which paints the picture that the university has no intention to enter into a negotiated resolution.
The report states that U-M not only defends former head coach Jim Harbaugh, current head coach Sherrone Moore and other staff members, but also notably Connor Stalions, the recruiting assistant who orchestrated the allegedly illegal plot and later resigned. In the reported document, Michigan argues the system in place had “minimal relevance to competition” and was not fully proven upon investigation.
It continues, in part, that the notice of allegations the university received prior to the start of the 2024 season holds “numerous factually unsupported infractions, exaggerates aggravating factors and ignores mitigating facts,” according to the report.
U-M received the NOA about three weeks after the NCAA sent a draft NOA that laid out potential violations and punishments for the Michigan staffers, including Moore. ESPN in early August obtained the draft NOA, which said Moore, who immediately took over after Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL, could face a suspension and show-cause penalty. Moore allegedly deleted 52 text messages with Stalions, a Level II NCAA violation, the same day he was reported to be the ringleader of the sign-stealing operation.
In total, Michigan was alleged to have 11 violations, six of which were deemed Level I or the most serious of infractions, yet the document sent from Ann Arbor deems most do not have “merit or credible evidence” to support.
Throughout the saga, many rumors have floated around about who alerted authorities to U-M’s supposed improprieties. According to the recent document, the tipster came from inside the program.
Per Yahoo’s report, “Michigan believes the confidential leaker was used by the NCAA to produce at least some of the charges in the notice of allegations, something in which it expresses ‘concern.’”
Separately, Yahoo reports that former star Michigan running back and assistant coach Mike Hart were at least two members who “raised concerns” over the alleged sign-stealing campaign. Hart reportedly told former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter about a phone call he received from a Rutgers staff member in 2023 about Michigan’s sign-stealing “going further” than most do.
The next steps are a hearing before the Division I Committee on Infractions, which can both conduct hearings as well as impose penalties. According to Yahoo, however, U-M will request “a pre-hearing conference” to get into further detail about the whistleblower and their participation in the allegations against the program.
One of the most serious allegations in the report − Moore deleting the texts − was also addressed. Moore said he wasn’t trying “to hide anything” rather he was “extremely angry” that a single person would jeopardize the program and the kids.
U-M points to a number of the since recovered messages to be irrelevant in nature in its response, including discussion about a birthday for a recruit.
However, Yahoo’s story continues to state “several of the messages were related to sign stealing.”
Included in the reported messages, one from August 2022 that references “a juicy report for you on CSU,” another from that October about Michigan State’s blitz tendencies and a third in November suggesting to Moore that U-M change its signals prior to playing Ohio State in Columbus, which Moore reportedly responded he will “think about it.”
Harbaugh, Stalions, former recruiting staffer and star quarterback Denard Robinson and former linebackers coach Chris Partridge are accused of Level I NCAA violations. Meanwhile, ex-defensive coaches Jesse Minter and Steve Clinkscale were named for recruiting violations unrelated to the Stalions case. The NOA said there was no evidence Harbaugh knew about sign stealing, but was accused of once again not cooperating with the NCAA and denying requests to look through his messages and phone records.
Harbaugh was separately suspended for one year and hit with a four-year show-cause order by the NCAA after he was found to have demonstrated both “unethical conduct” and a failure to promote “an atmosphere of compliance” as it pertains to an investigation into impermissible recruiting during a COVID-19 dead period in 2021.
“Today’s announcement mirrors the resolution we negotiated with the NCAA enforcement staff that was subsequently accepted by the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions in April 2024,” athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement at the time. “We have accepted the sanctions and have already served many of the penalties outlined in the findings. Our staff has worked to improve processes and we are focused on the future and our commitment to integrity and compliance.”
Tony Garcia is the Michigan Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
The University of Michigan has come to the defense of offensive lineman Connor Stalions and assistant coach Sherrone Moore in a recent dispute with the NCAA. According to a report released yesterday, the NCAA has been investigating allegations of improper benefits received by Stalions, a standout player for the Wolverines.
In response to the allegations, Michigan has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and has stood by Stalions and Moore, stating that they have always conducted themselves with the utmost integrity and have followed all NCAA rules and regulations.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed his full support for both Stalions and Moore, emphasizing their dedication to the team and their commitment to upholding the values of the university.
The NCAA has yet to release a final ruling on the matter, but Michigan remains confident that Stalions and Moore will be cleared of any wrongdoing. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. #GoBlue #MichiganFootball #NCAAInvestigation
In its response to the association sent earlier this month, the university refutes many of the alleged rules violations and accuses the NCAA of “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” the program without credible evidence that other staff members knew of Stalions’ illegal in-person scouting system.
In the 137-page document — a portion of which Yahoo Sports obtained — Michigan makes clear that it will not enter into a negotiated resolution with the NCAA over the alleged wrongdoing, vigorously defending its former head coach, current head coach, several staff members and even Stalions, the low-level assistant who orchestrated one of the most elaborate sign-stealing systems in college football history on the way to the school winning the 2023 national championship. The school purports that the sign-stealing system offered “minimal relevance to competition,” was not credibly proven by NCAA investigators and should be treated as a minor violation.
An NCAA spokesperson confirmed that the association received Michigan’s response, but declined to provide additional details and refused to confirm the document that Yahoo Sports obtained. A Michigan spokesperson declined comment when reached, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. A Big Ten official declined comment as well.
In its response, Michigan believes that the notice of allegations, sent to the school in August, makes “numerous factually unsupported infractions, exaggerates aggravating factors and ignores mitigating facts,” the document says. The school requests that the NCAA apply “common sense and commitment to fairness” and treat the case not as a serious Level I infractions case but a “Level II standard case.”
The document details why many of the 11 allegations against the school — six of them deemed as Level I — are without “merit or credible evidence,” the school contends, and that includes allegations against ex-head coach Jim Harbaugh and current head coach Sherrone Moore, who was an assistant on staff during Stalions’ advanced scouting operation and was found to have deleted text messages with him.
However, perhaps most notable in the document is an answer to a long-discussed question: Who originally tipped off the NCAA to Stalions’ scheme?
According to the document, the tipster derived from Michigan’s own campus. The unnamed source, which the NCAA has not disclosed, appears to have worked at the school, at least at one point. Michigan believes the confidential leaker was used by the NCAA to produce at least some of the charges in the notice of allegations, something in which it expresses “concern.”
While the school respects the secrecy of confidential sources, it says in the document, the NCAA can present evidence and infractions based only on “information that can be attributed to individuals who are willing to be identified.”
The case is now bound for a hearing before the Division I Committee on Infractions, an independent administrative body charged with deciding infractions cases. The committee has authority to set and conduct hearings as well as prescribe penalties.
However, Michigan is requesting a “pre-hearing conference” to discuss the origins of the tipster and their role in the charges against the school.
A hearing before the Committee on Infractions is likely to happen over the coming weeks as the school and association enter what could be a lengthy fight similar to the one that Tennessee waged against the NCAA in 2023 over recruiting violations. Eventually, the Volunteers avoided the dreaded postseason ban, instead suffering financial penalties and recruiting and scholarship reductions.
The NCAA’s notice of allegations, as well as Michigan’s response, did not stipulate proposed penalties against the school. However, six of the 11 violations are deemed to be Level I and the NCAA asserts that Michigan “failed to monitor” its football program given the severe nature and multi-year length of the Stalions scheme. The university and several of its coaches are considered repeat offenders, an allegation the school refutes in its response.
In its response, the school acknowledges that some impermissible in-person scouting appears to have occurred — “though less than the (NCAA) claims” — and that some recruiting violations occurred, as well. All of the wrongdoing, it says, will be addressed in the Committee on Infractions hearing and it will advise committee members of self-imposed penalties.
Michigan believes the COI will see that actual evidence has “not borne out” the NCAA’s initial assessment of “the resulting, sensational public narrative, or the approach taken in the notice of allegations,” the response says.
Despite producing phone, computer and other data to the NCAA, investigators have not proven that “any coaches were aware of, much less participated in” the scheme, Michigan says.
In his first full season as Michigan’s head coach, Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines went 8-5. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Sherrone Moore’s deleted texts
Of the NCAA’s 11 allegations against the school — six of them related to Stalions and his scheme — one of them stands as the most serious and impactful for the current state of the program: Moore, then an assistant, deleted 52 text messages with Stalions on the very day (Oct. 19, 2023) that Yahoo Sports broke the story of the NCAA’s investigation into the school.
In its response, Michigan and Moore acknowledge the deleted messages. However, the school contends that the texts were “innocuous and not material to the investigation” and that Moore cooperated fully with the investigation, even turning over his phone for imaging — a move that revealed the previously deleted messages.
The coach told school officials that he deleted the messages in anger and frustration shortly after the bombshell news story broke, suggesting that he did not want one person, Stalions, to receive credit for “all the work that” coaches and players put into the championship run.
“So, [I] deleted all the information — all Connor, on my personal phone,” he said in Michigan’s response. “And it wasn’t to hide anything, it was just that — I was just extremely angry of, you know, the type of person that would do that to this program and these kids.”
In its response, Michigan highlights several of the text messages between the coach and Stalions. While many of them are innocuous — Stalions reminding Moore of a prospect’s birthday, for instance — several of the messages were related to sign stealing.
However, the university notes, none of the texts were specifically about the in-person advanced scouting system, where Stalions allegedly organized himself and a group of low-level staff, friends and family members to record, in person, as many as 52 games of Michigan’s upcoming opponents over a three-year stretch.
While NCAA rules prohibit in-person scouting of future opponents, the association permits scouting opponents’ signs during games against that opponent, from television broadcast or taped recordings.
Some of the text messages between Moore and Stalions paint a fascinating picture of the behind-the-scenes nature of Michigan’s sign-stealing effort — one that, according to the school, is perfectly within the rules and is a fairly normal art among college football staffs.
– In an August 2022 text from Stalions to Moore, Stalions describes needing time to meet with the coach to discuss “a juicy report for you on CSU,” as in Colorado State, which Michigan opened the season against that year. The Wolverines won, 51-7.
– In October of 2022, Stalions sent Moore a single text about Michigan State’s blitzing signals, rules and tendencies. “Michigan played Michigan State every year and Michigan State never changed its signals,” the document says in providing context with the text.
– In a November 2022 text, Stalions suggests to Moore that Michigan should change its signals ahead of the Ohio State game. Moore responded that he’ll “think about it.” And Stalions responds that, “Nebraska is screwed,” a reference to the fact he could easily decipher the Huskers’ signals ahead of the Wolverines’ game against them that very week. Michigan won that game, 34-3. But Moore told university officials that Nebraska used wristbands, so there were no signals to steal.
– Perhaps the most interesting text came in April 2023. Stalions sent a note to Moore that Central Michigan assistant coach Jake Kostner planned to visit the facility to meet with Moore. Central Michigan opened the 2023 season with Michigan State, which UM regularly played. Ironically enough, Stalions is believed to have attended that game — CMU vs. Michigan State — while in disguise. In fact, CMU fired Kostner last fall as the NCAA investigated the matter of Stalions’ alleged appearance on the sideline of the game.
Connor Stalions’ scheme
The NCAA accuses Stalions of engaging in in-person scouting of 52 games over the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, many of them involving scheduled opponents of Michigan.
In its response, the university contends that Stalions attended just one of those games and that only eight more were attended by a then-Michigan staff member — lower-level managers that Stalions assigned to attend and presumably record sideline footage for his signal system.
Other games were attended by Stalions’ friends or family and do not violate NCAA bylaws, the school contends. Michigan also asserts that “in many instances” the only evidence of the in-person scouting system is that “Stalions purchased a game ticket.”
Michigan also argues that many of the in-person scouting allegations “do not support the six elements of a completed indirect scouting violation,” including lack of witness statements or eyewitness evidence that videos were taken from the stands at many of the games in which Stalions purchased tickets. However, in the NCAA’s notice of allegations, the association did attach some videos and photos of people near the seats Stalions purchased recording the sideline.
In one interesting bit, a handwritten note was found on Stalions’ desk and was included as a reference to the plan for the Ohio State game in 2023 that states, among other things, “Focusing on them all year + watching every TV copy, sky cam.” The university contends that this supports that much of Stalions’ sign-stealing system came through legal avenues and not in-person scouting.
“An enormous amount of signal decoding was therefore permissibly done with TV and other publicly available footage,” the response says.
In another interesting note, Michigan reveals that Stalions traded opponents’ signal plans with other schools and received signal plans for opponents from others as well, including getting plans from Rutgers and Nebraska staff members for the signals of Michigan State and UNLV. These were listed in documents as “potential alliances.”
Michigan also claims that players and staff members only used Stalions’ signal boards on a limited basis and that they did not provide a competitive impact. Michigan players used pre-snap calls of “birds” (a pass) and “rabbits” (a run) even before Stalions joined the staff, the school says. They often determined such, not by signals, but by offensive line stance, the offensive formation or other tells.
Michigan refutes the NCAA’s assertion that it “failed to monitor” its football program in light of the Stalions scheme after “at least two members of the football program raised concerns about Stalions’ process for deciphering opponents’ signals,” according to the NCAA. “The information was not reported to compliance for further review and/or willfully ignored so as to not learn about the potential violations.”
One of those members was then-running backs coach Mike Hart, who told NCAA investigators he received a call in September 2023 from a Rutgers staff member who told him that Michigan was stealing signals and “going further” than most do. Hart brought attention to this call to then-defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The Rutgers staff member mentioned Stalions specifically.
Michael Neyman, a low-level Michigan staff member, raised concerns about Stalions’ sign-stealing system and refused to be a part of it when Stalions wanted him to rent a car to scout a football game at Georgia — a team Michigan could have eventually played in the playoff but a team not on the program’s schedule, making it permissible to scout them, according to UM’s response.
Neyman approached assistant coach Chris Partridge to inform him that he did not want to be part of Stalions’ scheme. Partridge went to Stalions directly and said he told him, “You’re not using this kid in your signal organization stupid thing, so, like, just have him be a manager.”
Jim Harbaugh and Michigan won it all amid the sign-stealing scandal in the 2023-24 season. (CFP/Getty Images)
Jim Harbaugh, other former coaches
Some of the NCAA’s 11 allegations are unrelated to Stalions’ scheme and are instead connected to recruiting violations allegedly committed by assistant coaches, many of them no longer with the program.
For instance, Michigan acknowledges that former assistants Partridge and Minter sent more than 100 combined texts to a recruit outside of the NCAA’s contact period, but the school refutes the allegation that several former assistants held tryouts in the spring of 2023 with recruits.
As for Harbaugh, the school says the NCAA’s allegation against him is “without merit.” The NCAA alleges that Harbaugh failed to cooperate between Oct. 20 and Jan. 24, 2024 when he did not produce text and telephone records from his personal cell prior to his departure from the school.
Imaging of Harbaugh’s phones — his personal and work — were part of a large initial collection of data that included imaging of phones and other devices from 10 individuals, the school says, including two computers assigned to Stalions and an external hard drive owned by Stalions.
However, there were “legitimate concerns” that the data being imaged contained personal and sensitive information and/or attorney-client communications, so images were withheld. The NCAA did not receive Harbaugh’s images by the deadline and deemed him to have failed to comply.
Michigan also refutes three of the NCAA’s four allegations that Stalions impeded the investigation, including that Stalions failed to preserve all pertinent information by (1) declining to produce his personal phone for imaging, (2) withholding and removing hard drives from his office, (3) putting relevant information into a backpack and instructing a staff member to take it to an unpaid student intern’s house where he (Stalions) could pick it up, and (4) instructing a student intern to delete potentially relevant information.
The fourth allegation, the school says, is the only one substantiated.
Michigan believes that the NCAA’s allegation against Partridge — who it fired — is unsubstantiated. The association says he violated a bylaw by pressuring an athlete to “protect” the football coaching staff by providing false or misleading information when answering questions. “Partridge was terminated by the institution for disregarding the institution’s directive to not discuss the investigation with anyone,” Michigan said. “His failure to abide by the institution’s directive does not constitute a violation of any NCAA bylaw.”
The University of Michigan is pushing back against allegations made by the NCAA in the ongoing sign-stealing saga involving former baseball player Connor Stalions. In a statement released by the university, they vehemently deny any wrongdoing and are fully cooperating with the NCAA investigation.
The NCAA has accused Stalions of using electronic devices to steal signs during games, giving the Wolverines an unfair advantage. However, Michigan’s head coach, known as “Doc” among players and fans, has stated that they have always emphasized fair play and sportsmanship.
The university is conducting its own internal investigation and is confident that they will be able to clear their name of any wrongdoing. They are committed to upholding the integrity of collegiate athletics and will take any necessary steps to address these allegations.
As the situation continues to unfold, fans and supporters of the Michigan baseball program are standing behind “Doc” and the team, trusting in their commitment to fair play and ethical conduct. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. #GoBlue
I decided to do a little digging this morning because I noticed that last night’s Sharks game was the 41st of the season for 2024 No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini. Since there’s this movement on the interwebs to make a case that he’s a better prospect than Connor Bedard, and Celebrini is now officially half-way thru his rookie season, why not compare the two at the 41 game mark of their respective rookie seasons?
During both of their respective rookie seasons, Bedard and Celebrini dealt with injuries before getting to their 41st game in the NHL. Bedard missed seven weeks with his broken jaw in January and early February; Celebrini has missed 12 Sharks games thus far. That’s important to recognize because it levels the playing field to an extent.
Bedard
Celebrini
Games
41
41
Goals
16
16
Assisist
20
20
Points
36
36
+ / –
-23
-20
TOI
19:06
19:36
SOG
127
138
PPG
1
5
PPP
7
11
GWG
2
4
FO Pct
39.0
48.4
Those numbers are… strikingly similar, aren’t they?
How about the records of the teams they’ve played those rookies seasons on?
The Sharks, with a 2-1 win over Pittsburgh last night, are now 15-32-6.
The Blackhawks were 15-37-3 after winning the game in which Bedard played his 41st game.
Huh… ain’t that something?
Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
As the NHL season reaches its halfway mark, the comparisons between rookie phenom Connor Bedard and seasoned veteran Macklin Celebrini have been heating up. Both players have been making waves in the league with their exceptional skills and performances, leading many fans and analysts to draw parallels between the two.
Bedard, the 18-year-old sensation who was drafted first overall last year, has been a revelation for his team, showcasing his elite scoring ability and playmaking skills. Celebrini, on the other hand, has been a consistent force on the ice for years, known for his strong defensive play and leadership qualities.
Through 41 NHL games, Bedard has already amassed an impressive point total, solidifying himself as a top contender for the Calder Trophy. Celebrini, meanwhile, has continued to be a steady presence on the blue line, anchoring his team’s defense and contributing offensively as well.
While the comparisons between Bedard and Celebrini are inevitable given their similar playing styles and impact on their respective teams, it’s important to appreciate each player’s unique talents and contributions to their squads. Whether it’s Bedard’s dynamic offensive ability or Celebrini’s steady presence on defense, both players bring a valuable skill set to the table that sets them apart from their peers.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Bedard and Celebrini continue to perform and whether their paths will continue to intersect as they strive for success in the NHL. One thing is for certain: both players are destined for greatness and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the league for years to come. Let’s keep an eye on their progress and enjoy the show as these two hockey stars light up the ice.
Tags:
Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, NHL, comparisons, rookie, hockey, young talent, prospects, analysis, performance, statistics, player development, future stars, top prospects, hockey prospects, talented players.
The NFL is adding two more Buffalo Bills to the AFC Pro Bowl roster. C Connor McGovern has been named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career and RB James Cook will be attending the Pro Bowl for his second consecutive season.
McGovern replaces Kansas City Chiefs C Creed Humphrey who will be playing in the Super Bowl and Cook replaces Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry.
The Bills center finished the 2024 season starting every game after taking over for C Mitch Morse from the previous season. McGovern was also part of a Bills offensive line that kept QB Josh Allen upright as the least sacked QB in the NFL.
Cook finished the 2024 campaign with 1,009 yards rushing and 258 yards receiving on 32 catches. Cook also tied for the league lead in touchdowns with 16 touchdowns and 18 overall from scrimmage.
McGovern and Cook will join LT Dion Dawkins at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, FL. QB Josh Allen said this week he is “unsure” if he will attend due to a wrist injury.
The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Flag Football game will air at 3 p.m. on ESPN/ABC on Sunday, Feb. 2.
Exciting news for Buffalo Bills fans as running back James Cook and center Connor McGovern have been named to the AFC roster for the 2025 Pro Bowl games!
Both Cook and McGovern have had outstanding seasons, making significant contributions to the Bills’ success on the field. Cook has been a dynamic playmaker in the backfield, showcasing his speed and agility, while McGovern has been a key anchor on the offensive line, providing strong protection for the quarterback.
Their selection to the Pro Bowl is well-deserved recognition of their hard work and talent. Congratulations to James Cook and Connor McGovern on this prestigious honor! Bills Mafia, let’s show our support and cheer them on as they represent the Buffalo Bills in the Pro Bowl games. #GoBills #ProBowlBound
The Bills were hoping to be occupied with Super Bowl planning this week, but their loss to the Chiefs last Sunday means that their players are free for other things.
On Tuesday, the team announced that two more members of the club will be in Orlando for the Pro Bowl games. Running back James Cook has been selected as a replacement for Ravens running back Derrick Henry and Connor McGovern will take the place of Chiefs center Creed Humphrey.
Cook is going to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year. Cook tied for the league lead with 18 touchdowns during the regular season and he scored three more times in the postseason.
McGovern is in the Pro Bowl for the first time. Left tackle Dion Dawkins and quarterback Josh Allen were selected for the original roster, although Allen said he may not go to Orlando because of a wrist injury.
In exciting news for AFC football fans, James Cook and Connor McGovern have been added to the Pro Bowl roster! Both players have had standout seasons and will surely make an impact in the upcoming game. Congratulations to James Cook and Connor McGovern on this well-deserved honor! #ProBowlBound #AFCFootball
