With video and still images surfacing this week calling into question whether or not disgraced -- and now former -- Jim Harbaugh Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions had lurked on the Central Michigan sideline a day before the Wolverines' 2023 season opener, officials from both CMU and the MAC (Mid-American Conference) remained mum Friday.
After FootballScoop on Thursday first shared the precise documents required by the Big Ten Conference for all football staff who wear headsets on gameday, as well as the official form required to be issued a sideline pass, follow-up questions were asked of three different MAC employees as well as an senior-level Central Michigan administrator.
CMU Athletics senior leadership responded to FootballScoop adding only, we have nothing new to report. MAC officials were in the office Friday but chose not to return phone calls or emails. Emails Saturday were also not returned.
Stalions, shown repeatedly in close proximity to Harbaugh and other full-time Michigan football assistants, including defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, on the Wolverines's sidelines across numerous seasons, was first reported to have been fired Friday by Michigan officials.
However, the school clarified that Stalions had resigned, and he later issued a statement that saw the former U.S. Naval Academy graduate claim that the alleged elaborate sign-stealing, in-person spying scheme had been all Stalions's plot.
Documents required by the Big Ten for all individuals to be declared who wear a headset on gameday, as well as the official form to be issued a sideline pass that allows an individual to move freely within the team box:
After his team won its midweek game, Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain was forced to address the alleged presence of Stalions on the Chippewas sideline Sept. 1 when they opened their season in a blowout-loss at Michigan State.
"Before we go any farther, we're obviously aware of a picture floating around of the sign-stealer guy," McElwain said. "Our people are doing everything they can get to get to the bottom of it."
Monday morning update> FootballScoop has reached out to senior representatives of both CMU Athletics and the MAC this morning in hopes of hearing an update on their investigations. Thus far, there has been no response.