Former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions fought back against accusations that he carried out extensive advanced in-person scouting schemes for the football program in a recent Netflix documentary entitled "Sign Stealer," the latest installment in the streaming service's "Untold" series. Stalions also told NCAA investigators that he did not recall standing on the sidelines for Central Michigan's 2023 season opener against Michigan State.
"One, I've never advance scouted," Stalions said in the documentary, per ESPN. "Two, if this was about signals, I obtain signals the way every other team does, through watching TV copies and talking to other intel guys from other teams. What set me apart was the way in which I organized that information and processed it on game day."
The documentary includes clips from an interview NCAA investigators conducted with Stalions. The former Wolverines staffer claims during the questioning that he "did not obtain signals through in-person scouting."
He also denies the allegations that he directed representatives to attend games featuring future Michigan opponents with the express purpose of recording the sidelines and collecting footage of play-call signals.
"No, I don't ever recall directing anyone to go to a game," Stalions said.
Stalions did admit to deciphering signals in-game while on Michigan's staff, which isn't expressly prohibited by the NCAA.
"I actually got the game ball for the Iowa game in 2022 for deciphering signals," Stalions said during one segment in the documentary. "I'm the only one that has one that says my name."
Stalions also held up a picture of him allegedly standing on Central Michigan's sideline, in full team apparel, during the Michigan State game and stated, "I don't even think this guy looks like me."
"We are aware of inferences made in the new Netflix documentary regarding former University of Michigan football staff member Connor Stalions accessing the CMU sidelines during our opening game last September," Central Michigan said in a statement provided to ESPN. "For the past ten months, CMU has fully cooperated with the NCAA's ongoing investigation, and we will continue to cooperate with the NCAA as it works to complete its investigation. NCAA Bylaws expressly prohibit CMU from publicly commenting on the details of the case at this time. We are eager to bring this matter to a fair and prompt conclusion and to share what we know. We appreciate the patience and support of our community."
Michigan received its notice of allegations from the NCAA regarding its investigation into the alleged sign-stealing scheme on Aug. 25. Though no specifics were revealed, a previous draft version of the NOA was leaked earlier in August that shows Michigan coach Sherrone Moore could face a suspension after allegedly committing Level II violations.
Investigators claim he deleted text messages between him and Stalions. Moore could be considered a "repeat violator" after he received punishments regarding a separate NCAA investigation into illegal recruiting practices during the COVID-19 dead period.
