Central Michigan is investigating after photos emerged of an individual resembling Michigan staff member Connor Stalions standing on its sideline for the season opener against Michigan State.
"We became aware of these photos late yesterday, and we are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them," Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan said in a statement.
The individual in question is pictured wearing sunglasses and a Central Michigan hat.
CMU is investigating whether Connor Stalions was on its sideline vs. MSU in CMU gear.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) October 31, 2023
AD Amy Folan: “We became aware of these photos late yesterday and we are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them. … We have no further comment at this time.” pic.twitter.com/yOr4Jbkzdd
"We are totally unaware of it," head coach Jim McElwain said after Tuesday's win over Northern Illinois, in a video obtained by 9&10 News' Kennedy Broadwell. "I certainly don't condone it in any way shape or form. I do know that his name was on none of the passes that were let out.
"There’s no place in football for that."
Michigan State is discussing possible next steps and is willing to participate in any potential investigation, sources told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Pete Thamel.
Stalions also reportedly bought tickets to games involving numerous Big Ten schools and other potential Michigan opponents.
The Wolverines suspended Stalions as a result of an NCAA investigation into allegations of sign-stealing.
