Michigan gave Connor Stalions game ball for ‘deciphering signals’ in 2022 win over Iowa

IOWA CITY — The game ball from Michigan’s 2022 win over Iowa football went to Connor Stalions — the former Michigan staffer at the heart of the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal — for “deciphering signals,” he said in a newly released Netflix documentary.

“I’m the only one that has one that says my name,” Stalions said with a laugh as he held his game ball in front of the camera.

Stalions, speaking on Netflix’s “Untold: Sign Stealer” documentary that was released on Tuesday, said getting the game ball was a “pretty cool moment in my life.”

“Understanding Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and his way of coaching, I think that, if anything, it’s like, ‘Hey, we see you, you’re doing a good job,’” Stalions said. “Well, the funny thing he said after I got the game ball is, ‘Don’t get the big head, Connor. Don’t get the big head.’”

Michigan’s 27-14 win was its first at Kinnick Stadium since 2005. The Wolverines built a commanding 20-0 lead through three quarters before Iowa cut into the lead with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, with the second one coming in the final 10 seconds of the game.

Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz downplayed Tuesday’s revelation from Stalions.

“It's so far out of mind,” Ferentz said. “It's history right now. Whatever happens happens. The appropriate parties will deal with it. Our eyes are forward right now. On that whole scenario, I never spent much time worrying too much about it. We got plenty to worry about right here.”

A Michigan football spokesman did not respond to The Gazette’s request for comment.

Not all sign-stealing violates NCAA rules. Teams can attempt to steal signs either in-game or from televised game film. However, the bylaws prohibit any “off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents.”

Stalions and Michigan face allegations of sending people to future opponents’ games to digitally record the opposing sideline as teams signaled plays. The NCAA gave Michigan the final version of its notice of allegations earlier this month.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

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