US EditionFormer Central Michigan Staff Members Receive Punishments for Their Roles in Sign-Stealing Scandal
Four former Central Michigan football staff received show-cause orders and suspensions after a sign-stealing scandal involving Connor Stalions during a 2023 game, with $30,000 in fines and probation.
- On Oct 30, 2025, the NCAA announced penalties for Central Michigan University football program and four former staff over the Connor Stalions sign-stealing incident.
- Sideline access was secured by requesting coaching-issued gear when Jake Kostner arranged for Connor Stalions to get gear from Nate Mason and a bench pass from Mike McGee, who denied knowing his intent.
- The NCAA imposed a four-year show-cause on Jake Kostner, two-year show-cause orders on others, and placed Central Michigan football program on two years of probation with a $30,000 fine plus 1% of the football budget.
- Central Michigan said Jake Kostner, Mike McGee, and Nate Mason initially gave false information, but Kostner and McGee later cooperated, and Jim McElwain retired after the 2024 season.
- Michigan was separately penalized in August with fines possibly more than $20 million, and Connor Stalions acknowledged earlier this year he knew signals in seven games across two seasons.
49 Articles
49 Articles
Former Central Michigan staff members receive punishments their roles in sign-stealing scandal
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Former Central Michigan head 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 sidelines during a 2023 game against Michigan State.
Roanoke Times
Central Michigan football placed on probation, fined for role in Connor Stalions saga
DETROIT — On the eve of Halloween, the NCAA finally has unmasked the football staffers who were at the center of Connor Stalions' in-disguise appearance on the Central Michigan football sidelines. Central Michigan football has been placed on probation for…
CMU football sanctioned for role in Connor Stalions sign-stealing saga
Central Michigan officials apologize to Michigan State after investigation reveals former staff members helped Stalions gain access to the Chippewas' sideline for their game against MSU in 2023.
NCAA Finally Reveals How Conor Stalions Invaded Central Michigan Sideline While Hitting Program With Sanctions
Central Michigan football player It’s been two years since the college football world was rocked by the sign-stealing operation Connor Stalions orchestrated at Michigan, and there was one loose thread that had yet to be firmly tied up after a lengthy investigation: his presence on the Central Michigan sideline during a game. However, the NCAA has finally gotten to the bottom of things while punishing the school (and some coaches) for its role. A…
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