The investigation into Michigan staffer Connor Stalions has taken an interesting turn as Central Michigan University is investigating photos that appear to show a man resembling Stalions on its sideline earlier this season, according to reports.
CMU Athletic Director Amy Folan released a statement Tuesday saying the school became aware of the photos late Monday and is “in the process of determining the facts surrounding them.”
“As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time,” Folan’s statement said.
Multiple photos circulating on social media from the FS1 broadcast of the Chippewas’ season opener at Michigan State on Sept. 1 show the man resembling Stalions dressed in CMU gear, matching what other coaches on the sideline are wearing.
He is also wearing sunglasses during the night game and
He is also wearing a bench credential that reads “VB” and appears to be designated for the visiting bench area, which is different from a general sideline pass, according to a report from ESPN.
That type of credential “gives access to the designated area between the 20-yard lines, which is reserved for players, coaches, trainers and equipment staff,” according to the report and schools are given a finite number of passes for each game.
Stalions is the center figure of the NCAA’s ongoing investigation into alleged in-person scouting and sign stealing. Stalions is alleged to have bought tickets in his own name for more than 30 games at 11 different Big Ten schools, according to sources at 11 different schools.
The Wolverines program is alleged to have used outside parties to record future opponents’ sidelines in apparent attempts to decipher their signals.
Under an NCAA rule established in 1994, it is illegal to scout in opposing stadiums. Michigan also allegedly violated Article 11 subsection H of the NCAA rule book, which states "any attempt to record, either through audio or video means, any signals given by an opposing player, coach or other team personnel is prohibited."
ESPN reports MSU officials are “aware of Stalions’ potential presence at the opener” and are reportedly “discussing potential next steps and is prepared to cooperate with any formal investigation that arises from this,” according to the report.