NCAA joins Central Michigan investigation into man resembling Connor Stalions at CMU game

According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, the NCAA has now joined Central Michigan in investigating the person resembling former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions who was seen on the CMU sidelines during a recent game.

Rittenberg tweeted out the news Monday afternoon:

“The NCAA has joined Central Michigan in investigating a man resembling ex-Michigan staff member Connor Stalions, who appeared on the CMU sideline Sept. 1 against Michigan State. The unidentified man wore CMU-issued gear and had a bench area credential.”

He added the following statement from Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan:

“Central Michigan continues its review of the matter in cooperation with the NCAA. As this is an ongoing NCAA enforcement matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”

Stalions releases statement after resignation from Michigan

On Friday, Connor Stalions resigned from the Michigan football coaching staff. Later that day, Stalions and his attorney provided statements to The Athletic.

“As he informed the school earlier today, Connor chose to resign because recent stories regarding his time with the University of Michigan have created a distraction for the team,” Stalion’s attorney, Brad Beckworth of Nix Patterson, said. “He hopes his resignation will help the team and coaching staff focus on tomorrow’s game and the remainder of the season.

“Connor also wants to make it clear that, to his knowledge, neither Coach Harbaugh, nor any other coach or staff member, told anyone to break any rules or were aware of improper conduct regarding the recent allegations of advanced scouting.”

Stalions was investigated by the NCAA after reports arose of the Michigan staff “sign-stealing.” Stalions allegedly bought tickets to four different campus games of four College Football Playoff contenders last year.

Additionally, there are records of SEC title game ticket purchases from 2021 and 2022. Finally, twelve of the other 13 Big Ten schools have record of Stalions buying tickets. Stalions reportedly did not cooperate with any internal or external investigations or discussions.

“I love the University of Michigan and its football program,” Stalions said in a statement provided to The Athletic. “And I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with the incredible student athletes, Coach Harbaugh and the other coaches that have been a part of the Michigan football family during my tenure. I do not want to be a distraction from what I hope to be a championship run for the team, and I will continue to cheer them on.”