CMU Investigating Whether Connor Stalions Was On Sidelines For Opener vs. Michigan State
It seems that with each new day, the story surrounding Michigan football staffer and alleged sign-stealing aficionado Connor Stalions gets more and more bizarre.
On Tuesday, Central Michigan University announced it was investigating whether Stalions was on the Chippewas' sidelines during their season-opener against Michigan State back on Sept. 1. The probe comes after photos surfaced that show a man in CMU coaching garb who closely resembles Stalions on the Chippewas' sideline.
The man in the photos is wearing a bench credential issued to staffers on the opponent's sideline at Spartan Stadium, and is holding a possible play sheet. The man is also wearing sunglasses during a game which kicked off after 7 p.m., and appeared to shield his face any time a play ended near where he was standing. He was shown by FS1 cameras several times during the game broadcast.
In a statement to ESPN, Central Michigan athletic director Amy Foley said, "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.”
ESPN reports that, "Michigan State is aware of Stalions' potential presence at the opener, and sources at MSU told ESPN that the school is discussing potential next steps and is prepared to cooperate with any formal investigation that arises from this."
Stalions is at the center of the NCAA's investigation as to whether Michigan broke bylaws against off-campus scouting and using recording devices to steal and decipher opponents signals. Michigan has suspended Stalions with pay, pending the result of the investigation. Several reports have surfaced which suggest Stalions bought tickets to games involving at least 12 Big Ten stadiums and for several other games featuring possible future opponents for Michigan. The Central Michigan allegation, however, is the first to potentially place Stalions on the sideline of a game involving a future U-M opponent.
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