NCAA joins Central Michigan investigation of sideline staffer - ESPN

The NCAA has joined Central Michigan in investigating a man resembling former Michigan staff member Connor Stalions who appeared on the Chippewas' sideline in team-issued gear for their Sept. 1 season opener at Michigan State.

Athletic director Amy Folan, in a statement to ESPN, confirmed that Central Michigan «continues its review of the matter in cooperation with the NCAA.»

Folan announced this past Tuesday that Central Michigan would investigate the man after receiving photos of him one day earlier. Stalions, at the center of the NCAA's investigation into Michigan for off-campus scouting and signal stealing, resigned from his position Friday after initially being suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

The man in the images wore the same attire as Central Michigan's coaches and other sideline personnel, as well as sunglasses for the night game at Spartan Stadium. Stalions appeared on the Michigan sideline Sept. 2 for the Wolverines' opener against East Carolina.

Chippewas coach Jim McElwain said last week that Stalions' name did not appear on any list of credentials for the Michigan State game. According to NCAA rules, the «team area» during games includes a maximum of 50 non-squad members «directly involved in the game.» Those not in full uniform wear special credentials assigned to the team area that are numbered 1 through 50. NCAA rules prohibit any other credentials in the team area.

«We obviously are aware of a picture floating around with the sign-stealer guy,» McElwain said Tuesday. «Our people are doing everything they can to get to the bottom of it. We were totally unaware of it. 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