NCAA Penalizes Central Michigan, Ex-Staffers in Connor Stalions Sideline Scandal
The NCAA has penalized the Central Michigan football program and four former staff members following a lengthy investigation into a sideline scandal involving Connor Stalions. This inquiry was initiated after Stalions’ presence during a game against Michigan State on September 1, 2023, raised concerns regarding the integrity of the competition.
NCAA Findings and Investigation
The investigation revealed that former quarterbacks coach Jake Kostner orchestrated the plan to bring Stalions to the sidelines. He sought assistance from equipment coordinator Nate Mason and director of recruiting Mike McGee to acquire coaching gear and a sideline pass for Stalions. The game, played in East Lansing, concluded with the Spartans winning 31-7.
While the NCAA determined that gathering signals is permissible if conducted by an official coaching staff member, it found Kostner and the two staffers had initially provided misleading information during the investigation. They later cooperated and disclosed critical details to the NCAA’s enforcement staff.
Sanctions Imposed
- Jake Kostner: Received a four-year show-cause penalty, banned from all athletically related activities for one year and suspended from 50% of games in the second year.
- Nate Mason and Mike McGee: Each received a two-year show-cause penalty, restricted from all athletically related activities in the first year and suspended for 30% of games in the second year.
- Jim McElwain (head coach): Faced identical sanctions as Mason and McGee due to head coach responsibility legislation.
- Central Michigan Football Program: Placed on two years of probation, fined $30,000, and subject to a reduction of 1% of its budget.
The penalties were accepted by Central Michigan and sanctioned by the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions, limiting the potential for an appeal.
Currently, none of the implicated individuals remain affiliated with the CMU football program. Kostner resigned in September 2023, while McElwain announced his retirement in November. The Chippewas are under the leadership of new head coach Matt Drinkwall and currently hold a 5-3 record this season.
