The Michigan Wolverines are under investigation by the NCAA for sign-stealing/sign-scouting, and now, photos are surfacing of Connor Stalions, the Michigan staff member at the center of the investigation, allegedly on the sidelines of the Central Michigan Chippewa's season opener on September 1 against Michigan State.
The investigation started on October 17, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Pete Thamel.
Central Michigan is investigating photos that show a man who resembles Michigan staff member Connor Stalions, standing on the CMU sideline with the Chippewas coaches for the team's opener Sept. 1 at Michigan State.
Story from @PeteThamel and me: https://t.co/yyrX2rv0Bq
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 31, 2023
Central Michigan Athletic Director Amy Folan released a statement regarding the matter, stating, "We became aware of these photos late yesterday, and we are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them. As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time."
Statement from CMU AD Amy Folan: “We became aware of these photos late yesterday and we are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them. As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time.”
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 31, 2023
The photos show a person, allegedly Stalions, wearing sunglasses, a hat, Central Michigan-issued clothing, and a bench credential.
CMU is investigating whether Connor Stalions was on its sideline vs. MSU in CMU gear.
AD Amy Folan: “We became aware of these photos late yesterday and we are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them. … We have no further comment at this time.” pic.twitter.com/yOr4Jbkzdd
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) October 31, 2023
In the photo, the credential has a "VB" on it. This is an abbreviation for "visiting bench." This isn't quite a sideline pass, but according to Adam Rittenberg and Pete Thamel, "It gives access to the designated area between the 20-yard lines, which is reserved for players, coaches, trainers and equipment staff. Schools are given a finite amount of passes for each game."
Rittenberg and Thame mention that the photos they've obtained "...show a man wearing sunglasses — during a night game — and holding a possible play sheet. The man appeared to shield his face any time a play ended near where he was standing, but was shown by FS1 cameras several times during the game broadcast."
Michigan State is aware of Stalions' potential presence there and is "discussing potential next steps and is prepared to cooperate with any formal investigation that arises from this."
Rittenberg and Thamel also report that a former Division III football player and coach said Stalions was compensated for attending games involving Michigan opponents and recording their sideline with a smartphone.
On October 21, Michigan defeated Michigan State 49-0.
Central Michigan hosts Northern Illinois tonight, October 31. They're 4-4 on the year.
