In a developing story, Central Michigan University (CMU) is currently investigating whether suspended Michigan staffer, Connor Stalions, was present on the CMU sideline during their game against Michigan State on September 1st. Screenshots of a person resembling Stalions began circulating online on Monday night, prompting the university to take action.

CMU's athletic director, Amy Folan, released a statement addressing the matter. She stated, "We became aware of these photos late yesterday and we are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them." Folan added, "As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time."

Several former Michigan staffers are part of the Central Michigan staff, including head coach Jim McElwain, defensive backs coach Michael Zordich, and quarterbacks coach Jake Kostner, all of whom worked at Michigan while Stalions volunteered for the Wolverines. The person resembling Stalions was seen on the FS1 broadcast in the CMU bench area, often next to what appears to be the director of recruiting, Michael McGee. He was dressed in the same Adidas attire as the CMU staff, wearing sunglasses and had a visiting bench pass.

This incident, if proven to be Stalions, would be the first-known example of him attending a game of a Michigan opponent in person before the opponent played the Wolverines. Stalions, who is currently suspended with pay by Michigan as part of the NCAA's investigation into an alleged scouting and sign-stealing scheme, has been under scrutiny. Sources told The Athletic that Stalions purchased tickets to at least seven Big Ten stadium games before those teams played against Michigan over the past three seasons. While purchasing tickets is not a violation of NCAA rules, using them to scout and record other teams would be a violation of the rules prohibiting in-person scouting and recording of signals.

Further developments have emerged as The Athletic obtained additional photos of the individual in question on the Central Michigan sideline. The university is closely examining whether this person is indeed Connor Stalions. In a significant revelation, one of Michigan's Big Ten opponents informed The Athletic that they possess in-stadium surveillance footage showing someone filming their team's sideline from seats purchased by Stalions. The filming was done using a smartphone.

Additionally, The Athletic's sources have disclosed that tickets purchased under Stalions' name were bought five times over the past three seasons, often near the 50-yard line and occasionally on both sides of the stadium. Reports have also suggested that Stalions purchased tickets to games involving potential College Football Playoff opponents, such as Clemson, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

This is not the first time a suspension has occurred due to a violation of NCAA rules. In 2015, Baylor's offensive coordinator, Jeff Lebby, was suspended for half a game for being on the sideline during a Tulsa-Oklahoma game, which was a violation of the NCAA's in-person scouting rule.

Central Michigan's investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information comes to light.