CMU investigating Michigan's Connor Stalions' potential sideline presence - ESPN

Central Michigan is investigating photos that show a man resembling Michigan Wolverines staff member Connor Stalions on its sideline for the Sept. 1 opener at Michigan State.

Athletic director Amy Folan, in a statement to ESPN, said the school became aware of the photos late Monday. The man resembling Stalions is dressed in Central Michigan-issued gear and standing alongside several of the team's coaches, while wearing a bench credential.

The credential reads «VB» and appears to be designated for the visiting bench area, which is different than a general sideline pass. It gives access to the designated area between the 20-yard lines, which is reserved for players, coaches, trainers and equipment staff. Schools are given a finite amount of passes for each game.

«We are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them,» Folan's statement reads. «As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time.»

Stalions is at the center of the NCAA's investigation into off-campus scouting and signal stealing. Michigan has suspended him with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation, which launched Oct. 17.

Photos obtained by ESPN show a man wearing sunglasses — during a night game — and holding a possible play sheet. The man appeared to shield his face any time a play ended near where he was standing, but was shown by FS1 cameras several times during the game broadcast.

Michigan State is aware of Stalions' potential presence at the opener, and sources at MSU told ESPN that the school is discussing potential next steps and is prepared to cooperate with any formal investigation that arises from this.

Sources told ESPN that Stalions purchased tickets at 12 Big Ten schools and for several other games involving