Michigan staffer at center of sign-stealing scandal believed to be mystery man on Central Michigan sideline

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Central Michigan said it’s investigating photos of a man who resembles Michigan staff member Connor Stalions on its sideline from the team’s opener against Michigan State Sept. 1. 

Stalions has been the focal point of an ongoing sign-stealing investigation into the Wolverines’ football program, and photos from the game’s broadcast have emerged showing someone many believe resembles Stalions on Central Michigan’s sideline.

The photos, circulated Monday, showed the man believed to be Stalions wearing Chippewas gear — a gray shit with the CMU logo and a maroon hat — while standing near coaches on the sideline. 

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Michigan football analyst Connor Stalions on the sideline during the Wolverines' 31-7 win over Rutgers Sept. 23, 2023 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. (USA Today Sports)

"We are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them," Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan said in a statement to ESPN. "As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time."

The man was also wearing a bench credential that said "VB," which is for the visiting bench designation. This gives access for the credential holder to stand between the 20-yard lines, which is usually for players, coaches, team trainers and equipment staff. 

The man, wearing sunglasses during the night game Sept. 1, was standing next to CMU offensive line coach Tavita Thompson and the team’s director of recruiting Michael McGee during most of the game. 

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This was in what’s known as the "team