Stalions: 'I did not obtain signals through in-person scouting'
Former Michigan football analyst Connor Stalions told NCAA investigators that he didn't engage in sign-stealing through in-person scouting, rebutting a key aspect of its investigation into the Wolverines.
The interview, conducted in April, is featured in the new Netflix documentary "Sign Stealer." Stalions was at the forefront of Michigan's alleged sign-sealing plot, which prompted an NCAA investigation. The NCAA bans in-person advanced scouting and recording opponents' signals.
"I did not obtain signals through in-person scouting," Stalions told investigators, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Mark Schlabach.
Stalions said he obtained signals through watching on TV and via an "underground community of college football analysts."
"One, I've never advance scouted," he said. "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 NCAA also investigated records from other Big Ten schools showing Stalions had bought tickets to games involving future opponents. Reports suggested he sent people to film teams when they signaled plays.
Stalions said he didn't recall telling anyone to go to games, adding that he purchased tickets to sell or give to friends.
"I've had friends send me film," Stalions said. "It's kind of like when your aunt gets you a Christmas gift that you already have. You're not going to be rude and be like, 'Oh, I already have this. I don't need that.' It's, 'Oh, thanks, appreciate it.' They feel like they're helping out when I already have the signals, I've already memorized the signals."
Stalions was reportedly wearing a disguise while on the sidelines of Michigan State's 2023 season opener against Central Michigan, though he told the NCAA he didn't remember being at a specific game. Central Michigan released a statement Tuesday in response to the documentary, stating it will continue to cooperate with the NCAA.
Stalions resigned from Michigan in November.
The NCAA sent Michigan its final version of a notice of allegations relating to the scandal earlier this month. The Big Ten handed former head coach Jim Harbaugh a three-game suspension for violating the sportsmanship policy, though he denied any knowledge of the alleged sign-stealing scheme.