Central Michigan investigating if Connor Stalions was on sideline for CMU-MSU game on Sept. 1
The Michigan Wolverines are currently involved in an NCAA investigation that has kicked off looking into allegations of illegal scouting in Ann Arbor, centered around analyst Connor Stalions. A new chapter in the Stalions storyline emerged on Tuesday afternoon with the news that he may have been on the sidelines at an opposing game.
Multiple media reports say that Central Michigan is investigating a man with a resemblance to Stalions on their sidelines with a visiting bench pass for its Sept. 1 opener at Michigan State. A report from The Detroit News also claims that Stalions’ name was not on any sideline pass lists ahead of the game in East Lansing.
Here’s more from the ESPN story via Adam Rittenberg and Pete Thamel:
Athletic director Amy Folan, in a statement to ESPN, said the school became aware of the photos late Monday. The man resembling Stalions is dressed in Central Michigan-issued gear and standing alongside several of the team’s coaches, while wearing a bench credential.
The credential reads “VB” and appears to be designated for the visiting bench area, which is different than a general sideline pass. 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.
“We are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them,” Folan’s statement reads. “As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time.”
Reports also state that MSU is looking into what its next steps might be as part of an investigation.
There are Michigan connections inside of the CMU football program, starting with head coach Jim McElwain, who was on Jim Harbaugh’s staff in 2017 as the team’s wide receivers coach. Former U-M defense backs coach Mike Zordich is also part of McElwain’s staff. CMU quarterbacks coach Jake Kostner, a 2018 graduate of U-M, was a student assistant with the Wolverines from 2015-18.
The investigation into Michigan’s activities has revolved around an alleged illegal scouting operation run by Stalions that saw tickets to opposing stadiums purchased in his own name, then transferred to others with the intent to film the sidelines of an upcoming opponent. This would allow them to sync up game film to steal signs, a practice that is legal without the use of in-person scouting and using technology to decode signals.
Stalions’ alleged appearance in East Lansing is the first time he has been potentially connected directly to being at a future opponent’s game. He was suspended with pay by Michigan on Oct. 20.
We will have more on this story as it develops.
