Netflix has just released its highly anticipated documentary focusing on Connor Stalions, the former Michigan football staffer who became embroiled in controversy after allegations surfaced accusing him of videotaping opposing teams’ signals for competitive gain. Stalions, who was dismissed from the program last fall, found himself at the center of an NCAA investigation that scrutinized the scouting practices he was allegedly involved in. The weekend before the documentary’s release, Michigan’s football program received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA related to the sign-stealing investigation.
In the newly released documentary, Stalions firmly denies any wrongdoing, specifically rejecting the accusation that he obtained signals through in-person scouting. “I did not obtain signals through in-person scouting,” Stalions stated during an interview with the NCAA, which is featured prominently in the film.
When questioned further about whether anyone else might have scouted in person under his guidance, Stalions was unequivocal. “No, I don’t ever recall directing anyone to go to a game,” he asserted. This denial comes despite reports suggesting that Stalions had purchased tickets to numerous Big Ten games, with some transactions recorded under his name. According to the documentary, Stalions explained these purchases by claiming he often bought tickets with the intention of reselling them or giving them to friends, rather than using them for illicit scouting activities.
Even with his denials, the documentary doesn’t shy away from addressing some of the more damning evidence against Stalions. For instance, footage reportedly shows a man resembling Stalions in disguise on the sideline of Central Michigan’s 2023 season opener against Michigan State, raising further questions about his involvement in sign-stealing.
Stalions, however, remains adamant that he did not engage in any illegal methods to gain an edge over opponents. “One, I’ve never advance scouted,” Stalions said in the documentary. “Two, if this was about signals, I obtained 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 the information and processed it on gameday.”
Now distanced from the college football scene, Stalions has taken on a new role as a defensive coordinator for Detroit Mumford High School in Michigan. Meanwhile, the University of Michigan continues to deal with the fallout from the scandal, as the NCAA investigation is still ongoing and shows no signs of fading from public scrutiny.
The documentary sheds light on a controversial chapter in college football, offering viewers a closer look at the man at the center of it all while raising questions about the lengths some may go to gain a competitive edge.
