COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new documentary on Netflix titled “Sign Stealer” has stirred controversy by spotlighting former Michigan football staff member Connor Stalions, who vehemently denies allegations of conducting unauthorized in-person scouting at Ohio State football games. In the film, released Tuesday, Stalions and his attorney argue against the NCAA’s claims, suggesting that the information used in the investigation was obtained illegally.
“Sign Stealer” delves into the intricate details of Stalions’ interactions with NCAA investigators. Throughout his interview featured in the documentary, Stalions insists he did not direct anyone to record opposing teams’ signs, although he admits that tickets he purchased were used by individuals who relayed game footage to him.
Stalions likened the scenario to receiving an unintended gift, saying, “It’s like when your aunt gets you a Christmas present.” Ticket records obtained by officials show that Stalions had purchased tickets for at least twelve games at Ohio Stadium spanning from 2021 to 2023, highlighting the extensive nature of the alleged scouting operation.
Tensions escalated during the interview when Brad Beckworth, Stalions’ attorney, claimed his client’s personal data was breached by an unauthorized party, suggesting that Ohio State might be implicated. “We believe that Connor’s personal, private data was breached by someone who did not have permission to do that,” Beckworth stated, urging for accountability and hinting at legal ramifications.
Ohio State has categorically denied these allegations. A spokesperson for the university dismissed Beckworth’s claims as baseless, affirming, “They are simply not true and no one has presented evidence indicating otherwise.” The ongoing focus for Ohio State remains on their football season, with the university choosing not to comment further on the content of the film.
Details from the documentary reveal that Stalions purchased high-profile ticket locations, including Section 22AA near the 50-yard line directly across from the Ohio State sideline. Some of these tickets were resold or given to others, and records indicate that tickets for two significant games—against Penn State in 2023 and Toledo in 2022—were never scanned at the venue.
NCAA rules strictly prohibit off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents during the same season, as well as recording any signals from players, coaches, or team personnel. Despite these regulations, Stalions defended his actions in the documentary, asserting that he complied with permissible methods of sign decoding used by other teams and leveraged his organizational skills on game days to process that information effectively.
The controversy raises broader questions about the oversight and enforcement of NCAA regulations and the impact of allegations on individuals’ reputations and their affiliations with major sports programs. As the situation unfolds, the discussion continues about the balance between competitive intelligence gathering and the ethical boundaries in collegiate sports.
Ohio State is set to face Michigan on November 30, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry. The matchup, which is scheduled for a noon kickoff at Ohio Stadium, is likely to attract significant attention, not just for the on-field action but also for the lingering controversies off it.