According to ESPN, Central Michigan is investigating allegations that suspended Michigan analyst Connor Stalions was on the sidelines during the season opener on the road against Michigan State. In photos circulating on social media, a man resembling Stalions appears to be standing on the sidelines wearing CMU gear.
In a statement, Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan said the school only became aware of the photos on Monday. The athletic department is gathering facts about the incident. Allegedly, Stallions stood on the sidelines to illegally spy on the rival Spartans and steal signs from them. The Michigan State-Central Michigan game took place on a Friday night, while Michigan opened its season a day later against East Carolina with Stalions on the Wolverines’ sideline.
“We became aware of these photos late yesterday and are in the process of establishing the facts about them,” Folan said. “As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time.”
The Michigan staffer did not have a general sideline pass, which is relatively common. Instead, Stalsions appears to have a pass marked “VB” for the visiting bench. These qualifications are only awarded to opposing teams as coaches, trainers and supervisors. He also wore Central Michigan clothing that appeared to be from the team. It is unclear how Stallions might have gained access to these resources.
The Chippewas were in action on Tuesday night, picking up a 37-31 victory over Northern Illinois to move to 5-4 on the season. Following the game, Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain addressed the “sign stealer” investigation.
“We are obviously aware that there is a picture circulating of the sign thief,” McElwain said. “Our people are doing everything they can to get to the bottom of this. We weren’t aware of it at all. There’s no way I can condone it. I know his name wasn’t on any of the passports.” that was [given] out of. Now we keep tracking it back and trying to figure it out.
“But it’s in good hands with our people, and there’s no place for that in football either.”
Stallions suddenly finds himself at the center of a massive investigation into illegal sign theft. Stallions allegedly established and maintained a network of employees and contractors to electronically record the offside lines of future Michigan opponents during signal stealing. Records show Stalions, along with several potential College Football Playoff opponents, purchased and distributed tickets at 12 Big Ten stadiums.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has denied knowledge of the operation and will cooperate with the NCAA investigation. Harbaugh is also embroiled in a separate NCAA investigation into misleading investigators and illegal recruiting during the period of COVID-19 deaths.
The NCAA’s sign-stealing investigation into Michigan is a fast-moving story, and CBS Sports is covering it in real time. Click here for live coverage.