Central Michigan reportedly investigating presence of man resembling Connor Stalions on the sideline

Many a TV show and documentary have been made about internet detectives getting to the bottom of a story or crime, or at the very least uncovering a new perspective to the trained investigators.

A college football version of that may (or may not) be unfolding, judging from some social media chatter last night.

Internet sleuths believe that they may have found Connor Stalions, the man at the center of Michigan's illegal scouting operation that led to sign stealing, on the Central Michigan sideline for their season opener against Michigan State.

This afternoon, Adam Rittenberg and Pete Thamel share that Central Michigan has launched an investigation into the man's presence that, at the very least, resembles Stalions.

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

Central Michigan previously shared, according to Rittenberg, that Stalions name did not appear on any of their pass list information.

As we've previously pointed out covering this story, NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1 prohibits off-campus, in-person scouting of opponents "in the same season."

Now, it's not a crime or NCAA infraction to be on the sidelines for another college football game, but considering the allegations facing Stalions, many will question why this unknown guy that resembles Stalions appears to be in the restricted area designated for CMU staff and players...and at a rival's stadium to boot.

Also, if it is him, why is he decked out head to toe in CMU gear like a staff member and not in the stands like other games where he reportedly just purchased tickets?

There's a few glaring issues here for me.

1) The person in the question with CMU gear on has hair. Stalions does not.
2) Applying for a sideline pass at a rival's stadium seems reckless when at other places he was (by most accounts) successfully blending into the crowd

Reports last week shared Stalions purchased tickets to "more than" 35 games at 17 different stadiums, while Yahoo reported that Michigan targeted Tennessee, Alabama, Clemson and Oregon were targets during the stretch run of the 2022 season. 

Central Michigan is set to play against NIU tonight in a double-dose of MACtion, and it would not be the least bit surprising to hear a question or two directed at Jim McElwain - a former Wolverines staffer while Stalions was a volunteer in Ann Arbor - after the game.

Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.