Trouble continues to brew in Ann Arbor surrounding suspended Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Adam Rittenberg and since corroborated, Central Michigan is looking into photos depicting a man that resembles Stalions on the Chippewas’ sideline during its Sept. 1 game at Michigan State.
Stalions was suspended, with pay, by Michigan due to the NCAA’s investigation into sign stealing and off-campus scouting.
Central Michigan Athletic Director Amy Folan told ESPN her staff was made aware of the situation on Monday.
“We became aware of these photos late yesterday, and we are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them,” Folan said. “As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time.”
CMU is investigating whether Connor Stalions was on its sideline vs. MSU in CMU gear.
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
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) October 31, 2023
The story also noted that the man depicted in the photo had a credential reading “VB,” appearing to be meant for the visiting bench rather than a sideline pass to roam the entire field. The sideline pass provides access to the areas players, coaches, and staff members operate during the game, while other guests are kept within each 20-yard line to the end zone. ESPN reported earlier in October that Stalions bought tickets to 12 other games pertaining to Michigan’s opponents.
Stalions is also reported to have purchased tickets to Penn State-Ohio State Oct. 21, but the tickets went unused. The day before that game, which became a 20-12 OSU win, Stalions was suspended for his alleged role.
No. 9 Penn State football hosts No. 2 Michigan in a critical Big Ten game at Beaver Stadium next Saturday, Nov. 4, at noon on FOX for the weekly installment of Big Noon Kickoff.
