CMU probes Stalions’ possible sideline presence

Adam Rittenberg Close Adam Rittenberg ESPN Elder Author College football reporter. Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University.Pete Thamel Oct 31, 2023, 12:32 PM

Connor Stalions on its sideline for the Sept. 1 opener at Michigan State.Athletic director Amy Folan, in a declaration to ESPN, stated the school ended up being conscious of the photos late Monday. The male resembling Stalions is worn Central Michigan-issued equipment and standing alongside several of the team’s coaches, while using a bench credential.The credential reads” VB”and appears to be designated for the checking out bench area, which is different from a basic sideline pass. It gives access to the designated location between the 20-yard lines, which

is scheduled for players, coaches, fitness instructors and devices staff. Schools are given a finite variety of passes for each game. “We remain in the process of identifying the truths surrounding them,” Folan’s statement checks out.”As this procedure is continuous, we have no more remark at this time.” This image from an FS1 broadcast of the Central Michigan-Michigan State game on Sept. 1 show a male(at right)

resembling Michigan staffer Connor Stalions on the Chippewas’sideline wearing CMU gear and wearing a “VB “(visitors bench)credential. FS1 Stalions is at the center of the NCAA’s examination into off-campus hunting and signal stealing. Michigan has actually suspended him with pay, pending the result of the investigation, which released Oct. 17. A Michigan spokesperson declined to comment when inquired about Stalions’ location Sept. 1. Pictures obtained by ESPN show a man using sunglasses– throughout a night game– and holding a possible play sheet.

The guy, who was standing near offensive line coach Tavita Thompson and CMU director of recruiting Michael McGee for much of the game, was shown by FS1 cameras a number of times throughout the game broadcast and appeared to shield his face at any time a play ended near where he was standing.According to NCAA guidelines, the”group location”during games includes an optimum of 50 non-squad members”directly involved in the game.”Those not completely uniform wear unique qualifications assigned to the group location that are numbered 1 through 50. Editor’s Picks 2 Associated”No other credential stands for the team area,”according to NCAA Guideline 1-2-4-b. Michigan State understands Stalions’potential presence at the opener, and

sources at MSU told ESPN that the school is

going over potential next steps and is prepared to comply with any formal investigation that arises from this.Sources informed ESPN that Stalions purchased tickets at 12 Big Ten schools and for several other games involving potential Michigan challengers. A previous Department III football player and coach told ESPN that Stalions compensated him to participate in games including Michigan opponents and record their sideline with his smartphone.The Central Michigan claims is the first that potentially positions Stalions on the sideline of a game involving a Michigan challenger. Michigan beat Michigan State 49-0 at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 21. Central Michigan faced Michigan State the night before Michigan began its season against East Carolina. Images reveal Stalions on the Michigan sideline for the Sept. 2 opener.Central Michigan has multiple team member with ties to Michigan.Central Michigan hosts Northern Illinois on Tuesday night.