Getty Image
Central Michigan is the latest college football program to get wrapped up in the Michigan sign stealing scandal. Photos have begun to circulate social media potentially showing Connor Stalions on the sidelines during a CMU game.
Stalions, of course, is the face of the operation, being pinpointed as the staff member leading the charge.
He reportedly purchased tickets to opposing venues in order to scout future opponents on the field. That involved allegedly videotaping the sidelines of those foes to then use to Michigan’s advantage.
The operation extends beyond just the Big Ten, with the Wolverines supposedly scouting potential College Football Playoff teams, too. Some have gone as far as to say UM aided outside opponents when facing those CFP contenders.
Everyone has a theory as to who leaked the sign stealing information, but one thing is for sure. A number of programs other than the Wolverines will be affected.
Central Michigan is the latest, having a photo floated around the internet potentially showing Stalions on the sidelines. While it’s not confirmed that Stalions is the man decked out in Chippewas gear during that in-game photo, CMU is now looking into the situation.
Head coach Jim McElwain chimed in on Tuesday.
Full quote from CMU Head coach Jim McElwain: pic.twitter.com/AjKf37JhRf
— Kennedy Broadwell (@BroadwellK) November 1, 2023
Though not his intention, McElwain’s answer was possibly the funniest on the Michigan scandal we’ve seen yet.
“We obviously are aware of a picture floating around with the sign-stealer guy. 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.”
Fans were quick to respond on social media.
“No way he just said, ‘The sign stealer guy.'”
“I am laughing so hard at ‘the sign stealer guy.'”
“That’s either Stalions, or a grad student who is very upset that McElwain doesn’t know his name by this point in the season.”
“Uhhh uhhh… Sign stealer guy. I’m dead.”
“Don’t worry, it’s in good hands with our people… the same people who have no clue how he got there to begin with!”
The fact that CMU has yet to identify the mystery man on the sidelines doesn’t look great for Michigan. Had it been a member of the Chippewas’ staff, or a direct guest of the program, you’d think the university would’ve already gotten to the bottom of it.
The longer it drags out, the worse it might get for the Wolverines.