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, 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 from 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 number 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."
Photos obtained by ESPN show a man wearing sunglasses -- during a night game -- and holding a possible play sheet. The man, who was standing near offensive line coach Tavita Thompson and CMU director of recruiting Michael McGee for much of the game, was shown by FS1 cameras several times during the game broadcast and appeared to shield his face any time a play ended near where he was standing.
This image from an FS1 broadcast of the Central Michigan-Michigan State game on Sept. 1 show a man (at right) resembling Michigan staffer Connor Stalions on the Chippewas' sideline wearing CMU gear and wearing a "VB" (visitors bench) credential. FS1
Athletic director Amy Folan, in a statement, 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 from 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 number 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."
Photos obtained by ESPN show a man wearing sunglasses -- during a night game -- and holding a possible play sheet. The man, who was standing near offensive line coach Tavita Thompson and CMU director of recruiting Michael McGee for much of the game, was shown by FS1 cameras several times during the game broadcast and appeared to shield his face any time a play ended near where he was standing.
This image from an FS1 broadcast of the Central Michigan-Michigan State game on Sept. 1 show a man (at right) resembling Michigan staffer Connor Stalions on the Chippewas' sideline wearing CMU gear and wearing a "VB" (visitors bench) credential. FS1
