The saga of Connor Stalions continues with a new revelation that started making the rounds on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday night: The Michigan football staffer was on the sidelines for Central Michigan’s season opener at Michigan State.
While the NCAA investigates alleged illegal sign-stealing, Stalions had appeared to be operating in a bit of a gray area. It has been reported he was sending non-staffers to games to videotape opposing sidelines.
This, however, would not be a gray area. It is impermissible according to NCAA rules for any staff member to attend any games (though noted in a scouting capacity) of a future opponent, outside of the postseason.
ESPN reports CMU is now investigating whether Stalions was on the sidelines for the Chippewas’ Sept. 1 game.
Central Michigan is investigating photos that show a man resembling Michigan Wolverines staff member Connor Stalions on its sideline for the Sept. 1 opener at Michigan State.
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.”
There has yet to be confirmation that Stalions is the man in question, but MGoBlog is reporting it was him.
More on this story as it develops.