Michigan Staffer Connor Stalions Denies Being Guy on CMU Sideline in Netflix Doc

It’s the classic “It wasn’t me” defense. The Connor Stalions saga has captivated many, even if some are tired of hearing about it. The former University of Michigan football staffer is at the center of a scandal involving the alleged scouting of opponents to steal their signs when playing against the Wolverines.

Normally, sign stealing is an accepted part of the game. Teams analyze game film to decode opponent signals and strategies. The problem arises with in-person scouting, which is where Stalions might have seriously violated NCAA rules. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Stalions reportedly purchased tickets for friends and family to attend future Michigan opponents’ games and record their coaches’ signals. To top it off, his public Venmo history showed payments for tickets tied to these games, making the scheme look less like a clever strategy and more like a blatant rule-breaking operation.

One of the most amusing (alleged) elements of this story involves a photograph circulating of a man resembling Stalions—possibly in disguise—spotted on the sidelines of a Central Michigan game last year. Curiously, this game was against Michigan State, both a rival and future opponent of Michigan. A big question remains: How did he manage to get onto the sidelines of a school he wasn’t affiliated with? The NCAA claims, per a draft report obtained by ESPN, that evidence confirms the bearded man in the photograph was indeed Stalions.

Why is this coming up now? Netflix recently released a new documentary titled *Untold: Sign Stealer*, which not only explores these allegations but also includes a detailed interview with Stalions. Unsurprisingly, the documentary touches on the Central Michigan game, asking Stalions directly if that was him on the sidelines.

Predictably, Stalions didn’t confess, especially with an NCAA investigation looming over his career prospects. His response was comical: “I mean, I don’t even think this guy looks like me.” Whether he was joking or being evasive remains unclear, but he certainly seemed amused. The internet community enjoyed a good laugh over this dubious claim as well.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a Michigan fan, also appeared in the documentary. He stated that Stalions admitted to being on the sidelines. However, Portnoy later claimed his words were taken out of context, attributing it to the “magic of editing.” Inquiries from the NCAA received a vague response from Stalions, claiming he couldn’t “recall attending a specific game.” While this might sound like a closed case to some, the NCAA is unlikely to drop the matter and is expected to sanction both Stalions and Michigan heavily, even though Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has since moved on to the NFL.

Starting this year, college football teams will use electronic communications in their helmets, rendering the whole “sign stealing” debate moot. While many may not have a vested interest in this particular controversy (aside from general rivalries), the dedication and intricacy of Stalions’ alleged actions are somewhat impressive. Though he might be the one who got caught, it’s doubtful he’s the only one playing this game.

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