The NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee has denied Connor Stalions’ appeal of violations related to Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal.
In August 2025, the NCAA Committee of Infractions ruled that Stalions engaged in impermissible scouting activities “by directing and arranging for individuals to attend the games and film signal callers of future University of Michigan football opponents,” according to an NCAA press release. The committee also determined that Stalions failed to cooperate with the NCAA’s investigation. A 74-page report revealed that he smashed his personal phone and tossed it into a pond along with a number of computer hard drives.
The NCAA labeled the Stalions’ case as Level I-Aggravated and levied an eight-year show-cause penalty against him.
According to an NCAA press release, Stalions appealed the following violations that led to the ruling:
- Violation of the principles of honesty and sportsmanship by directing and arranging impermissible scouting of future opponents.
- Violation of his responsibility to cooperate during and after his employment at Michigan.
He also argued:
- The NCAA’s findings were based on procedural errors related to the irregular and prejudicial way in which the case started.
- The Committee on Infractions misapplied the scouting bylaw.
“Additionally, Mr. Stalions marked for appeal each of the six aggravating factors applied and used in the determination that the case was an aggravated case for him,” the press release stated. “However, Mr. Stalions did not specifically outline arguments regarding these aggravating factors in his appeal submissions.”
The Infractions Appeals Committee affirmed the NCAA’s initial ruling, upholding the penalties previously levied against the former Michigan staffer.
