What once appeared to be fading into the background has been thrust into the spotlight once again. That would be the sign-stealing allegations that are currently pointed at the Michigan Wolverines football program.
This time, it involves the Iowa Hawkeyes and a game that took place against Michigan. In 2022, Michigan took down Iowa 27-14 in Kinnick Stadium. At the time, it wasn’t thought much of as Michigan was one of the top teams in the country.
Fast forward nearly two years and there is a different tune. Michigan has been in the spotlight for potential sign-stealing and an alleged scheme orchestrated by Connor Stalions to obtain opponents’ signals through in-person advanced scouting.
Stalions, a former staff member of the Wolverines’ football program under former head coach Jim Harbaugh, is the focal point of a Netflix documentary titled “Sign Stealer” that was released on Tuesday.
The documentary shed some light on the impact Stalions may have had on the game against Iowa.
“I actually got the game ball for the Iowa game in ’22 for deciphering signals. I’m the only one that has a game ball that says my name. Understanding coach Jim Harbaugh and his way of coaching, I think that, if anything, it’s like a ‘Hey, we see you. You’re doing a good job,'” Stalions said during the documentary.
Also on Tuesday, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz was asked about Stalions receiving the game ball and was asked for his thoughts on the entire situation.
“It’s history. On that whole scenario, I never took too much time to worry about it,” Ferentz said in his press conference.
Kirk Ferentz on the Connor Stalions game ball for Michigan after its 2022 win at Iowa: “It’s history. … On that whole scenario, I never took too much time to worry about it..”
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) August 27, 2024
“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. That’s kind of been my attitude. Thanks,” Ferentz said.
The NCAA last week sent Michigan a notice of allegations regarding prohibited off-campus signal stealing. According to the documentary, Stalions faces a three-year ban from coaching that he intends to challenge.
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