NCAA sanctions Central Michigan in Connor Stalions scandal - ESPN

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Former Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain, three of his former staff members and the Chippewas program will face NCAA penalties for their roles in allowing former Michigan staff member Connor Stalions to be on the sideline during a 2023 game against Michigan State.

Stalions is best known for the role he allegedly played in Michigan's sign-stealing scheme. He has acknowledged earlier this year on social media that he knew almost every signal opponents used in seven games over two seasons, including Michigan's 2023 national championship season.

McElwain, the three former Central Michigan staff members and the university agreed to take the deal first offered by the NCAA's enforcement staff on sportsmanship and later approved by the governing body's Committee on Infractions, which closes the book on one of college football's strangest scandals.

In the 19-page report, released Thursday, the NCAA found former quarterbacks coach Jack Kostner bypassed the program's normal procedures by requesting extra coaching gear from Nate Mason, the former coordinator of athletic equipment operations. Kostner then asked Mike McGee, the former director of recruiting, to give the clothing and a sideline pass to his friend, Stalions, though Kostner had used an alias to avoid detection before kickoff.

«McGee was unaware of whom exactly the gear was for, but knew it was for a friend of Kostner's who was skilled in deciphering signals,» the NCAA wrote. «During the game, Stalions stood in close proximity to McGee and other football staff. Given his staff's direct involvement in the arrangement, Jim McElwain, former football head coach, is responsible for their violations under the head coaching responsibility legislation.»