Netflix to Release Documentary on Michigan Football's Sign-Stealing Scandal

Netflix to Release Documentary on Michigan Football's Sign-Stealing Scandal
Photo by Alex Mertz / Unsplash

In a move that has caught the attention of college football fans everywhere, Netflix has announced the release of a documentary titled Sign Stealer, set to debut on August 27. This documentary will delve into the controversial sign-stealing scandal that rocked the Michigan football program last season, focusing on the perspective of Connor Stalions, a former low-level staffer at the university.

The Background of the Scandal

The NCAA launched an investigation into Michigan football during their impressive run to the national championship last October. Stalions was identified as the alleged mastermind behind a scheme that involved sending associates to games of future Michigan opponents. These individuals were tasked with recording the opponents' sideline signals, which is considered illegal under NCAA rules. While in-game scouting is permitted, scouting future opponents in person is not.

The fallout from this scandal was significant. The Big Ten Conference took the unprecedented step of suspending former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh for three regular-season games, despite his claims of ignorance regarding the scheme. Stalions, who was hired as a player personnel analyst with a salary of $56,100, was suspended and subsequently resigned from his position.

What to Expect from the Documentary

Sign Stealer is part of Netflix's Untold series, which aims to provide deeper insights into sports stories that go beyond the headlines. In this documentary, Stalions will share his side of the story, which has turned him into a "viral villain" in the eyes of many fans and critics alike. This will be his first major public statement regarding the scandal, as he has refrained from giving interviews to any other outlets.

As the documentary unfolds, viewers can expect a closer look at the intricate details of the alleged sign-stealing operations and the implications it had for the Michigan football program. The documentary will also address the broader impact of the scandal on college football and the ongoing NCAA investigation.

My Thoughts on the Scandal

As an avid college football fan, I am curious to hear more details about what transpired during this sign-stealing scandal. The drama surrounding the Michigan football program has been hard to ignore, and I found myself annoyed by the constant news updates during the season. I personally didn't care if it was simple sign stealing.

However, I am excited about the changes that are being discussed in the wake of this scandal. College football is finally moving towards adopting NFL-style radio communication for coaches and players. This modernization will basically eliminate this entire story.

Stay tuned for the release of Sign Stealer on August 27!