The NCAA has now stepped in to help Central Michigan identify the mysterious figure alleged to be Connor Stalions on its sideline at Michigan State on Sept. 1.
Per a statement released by the Chippewas on Monday, the investigation is now an "ongoing NCAA enforcement matter."
The NCAA has joined Central Michigan in investigating a man resembling ex-Michigan staff member Connor Stalions, who appeared on the CMU sideline Sept. 1 against Michigan State. The unidentified man wore CMU-issued gear and had a bench area credential.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 6, 2023
Statement below: pic.twitter.com/e7khtCnEJJ
Central Michigan became aware of the alleged photos of Stalions on Oct. 31 and promptly began investigating the images. The man thought to be Stalions is seen wearing Central Michigan-issued team apparel and a credential that read "VB," which designates for the visiting bench area at Michigan State games and is not a general sideline pass, per ESPN's initial report.
More alleged photos of Stalions have surfaced in the days since.
NEW: @TheAthletic has obtained more photos of the goatee'd sunglasses person on the Central Michigan sideline at Michigan State.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 31, 2023
CMU is looking into whether this is Connor Stalions.
Story: https://t.co/79siEcZ89r pic.twitter.com/R5AyslTIWF
Stalions is the central figure in a larger NCAA investigation into alleged illegal off-campus scouting and sign stealing perpetrated by Michigan's football program over the past three seasons.
On Oct. 23, ESPN reported that Stalions purchased tickets to over 30 games at 12 of 13 Big Ten schools within the past three years.
Michigan at first suspended Stalions with pay on Oct. 20 before he eventually resigned on Friday. The NCAA's investigation remains ongoing, though Big Ten coaches and athletic directors have urged first-year conference commissioner Tony Petitti to take action. Michigan president Santa Ono emailed a letter to Petitti asking him to respect "due process."
Under the Big Ten's sportsmanship rules, Petitti has the authority to investigate and impose discipline independent of the NCAA, which is expected to continue its investigation until well after the 2023 college football season ends. Even after the NCAA sends a notice of allegations to the Wolverines, they have 90 days to respond, which already puts any potential sanctions from the college athletics' governing body off until February at the earliest.
