MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - In a recent development regarding the Michigan football sign-stealing controversy, Central Michigan football coach Jim McElwain disclosed that the now-suspended Michigan football staffer, Connor Stalions, was not listed on Central Michigan's pass list for sideline access during a season-opening game against Michigan State in September. McElwain's statement comes amidst circulating photos suggesting Stalions' presence on the Chippewas' sideline during the game.

On Tuesday, Coach McElwain expressed his disapproval of the alleged sign-stealing incident and assured that Central Michigan is conducting an investigation into the matter. He stated, "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. We keep tracing it back to try to figure it out. It's in good hands with our people. There's no place in football for that."

Connor Stalions was suspended on October 20 by the University of Michigan after an internal investigation reportedly uncovered videos, plans, and budgets related to scouting the Wolverines' opponents. The school became aware of photos depicting Stalions on the Central Michigan sideline on Monday night, according to Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan.

Stalions, hired in 2022 as part of the Wolverines' recruiting staff, has remained silent on the allegations that have since involved the NCAA. This incident has sparked discussions regarding the ethics of sign-stealing in college football. Though the NCAA does not explicitly prohibit sign-stealing, rules exist against personally scouting opponents. Stalions is alleged to have purchased tickets to games featuring Michigan's opponents and sent individuals to obtain video footage of sideline signals used for play calling.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who previously served a three-game suspension this season for unrelated NCAA recruiting violations, has denied any knowledge or involvement in impermissible scouting activities. The University of Michigan has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation.

As the investigation continues, the college football community awaits further updates and potential repercussions concerning the alleged sign-stealing incident involving the suspended Michigan staffer.