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Joel Klatt shares reaction to Connor Stalions documentary

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Joel Klatt recently watched the Netflix documentary centered around Connor Stalions and the sign-stealing saga at Michigan. A part of the “Untold” series, the documentary included Stalions giving his side of the story, and Klatt is ready to weigh in on a deeper level.

During his personal podcast, Klatt began by reminding fans that “sign-stealing occurs in almost every single game in college football.” However, Klatt was clear to break sign-stealing into 3 distinct categories, 2 of which are legal but the final one being illegal.

On-field/in-game scouting, advanced television scouting and advanced illegal scouting. Klatt is now convinced there was illegal scouting that went down while Stalions was with the Wolverines, but he disputes that there is enough evidence to prove Jim Harbaugh knew about the illegal aspects of the sign-stealing.

Certain people have latched onto one piece of the documentary as evidence that Harbaugh likely knew about Stalions’ full methods. However, Klatt believes that so-called evidence is circumstantial at best in regard to Harbaugh’s knowledge.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that advanced illegal scouting occurred. I do not think that it is evidence that Jim Harbaugh knew that he gave Connor Stalions a game ball after the Iowa game,” explained Klatt. “That came out after the Netflix documentary; ‘See he knew!’ Well, I don’t think that’s evidence that (Harbaugh) knew that the 3rd category was taking place. I think it’s evidence that he knew Stalions was really good at the first category which was deciphering signs in-game.”

As for the NCAA, Michigan received the Notice of Allegations recently related to the sign-stealing investigation. It remains to be seen what the final ruling will be on the matter, but the biggest aspect at this point will be whatever the NCAA tries to tie to new head coach Sherrone Moore.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.