Vikings minority owner accused of blackballing Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh

Editors note: A source tells Vikings Wire that Stapleton is not, nor has ever been a minority owner of the Minnesota Vikings. Story here 

Minnesota Vikings minority owner Jim Stapleton blackballed University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh during his interview for the Vikings head coaching job in 2022, according to journalist and author John U. Bacon.

When appearing on the Morning Juice 97.1 radio show out of Columbus to discuss the sign-stealing scandal with the Wolverines, Bacon brought up Stapleton as someone who likely gave the information to the NCAA.

“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.”

Bacon wrote in his book “Three and Out: Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan Wolverines in the Crucible of College Football” that Stapleton had been accused of sabotaging Rodriguez. Stapleton denied the accusations. 

Bacon posted a thread on Twitter talking about the history with Stapleton and Harbaugh during his interview.

As I reported in Three and Out, after Stapleton had been accused of sabotaging U-M coach Rich Rodriguez he wrote a 4-page letter refuting the charges, but still had his sideline pass revoked. He is now one of Harbaugh’s critics, hoping to persuade the Wilfs to reject him. (10/13)

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) February 2, 2022

Stapleton released a statement criticizing Bacon and his claims. The Michigan beat writer for 247 Sports, Zach Shaw, mentioned that Stapleton didn’t explicitly deny the claims.

My initial tweet was causing confusion (my mistake!) so just tweeting it again.

Jim Stapleton, a U-M alum who is involved with the NCAA's COI, has released a statement responding to @Johnubacon's claims he is leaking information.

He does not technically deny Bacon's claims. pic.twitter.com/evX9Vwb9rJ

— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) October 26, 2023

Whether this is something that gets swept under the rug or becomes a big story, it’s noteworthy, especially concerning his tenure with the Vikings.