A National Collegiate Athletic Association investigation into the Central Michigan University football program found four former staff members liable for violating several NCAA bylaws.
CMU has agreed to serve a two-year probationary sentence and will pay the NCAA a $30,000 fine and 1% of the program's budget.
The investigation was brought after CMU football staff were accused of granting Connor Stalions, a former University of Michigan coach, sideline access during the 2023 season opener at Michigan State University.
Stalions was previously investigated by the NCAA for orchestrating a wide-spread sign-stealing and scouting operation. After confirming misconduct, the NCAA placed multiple penalties on Stalions and the University of Michigan in August.
Stalions dawned a CMU windbreaker, hat and sunglasses during the 2023 night game against the Spartans. Internet rumors and screen shots of Stalions on the sideline took off shortly after the game.
According to the NCAA's case summary, former assistant coach Jake Kostner had a preexisting relationship with Stalions that was unbeknownst to the university.
Together with Nate Mason, former coordinator of athletic equipment operations, and Mike McGee, the former director of recruiting, Kostner facilitated Stalion's access to the sideline. The staff members provided Stalions with the bona fide CMU coaching garb and bench pass access.
The resulting investigation found the trio guilty of misconduct, and further placed responsibility on Jim McElwain, the head coach at the time of the incident, under the NCAA's head coach responsibility legislation.
In an email to WCMU, Aaron Mills, a university spokesperson, said that the coaches named in the report are no longer affiliated with the athletic program after parting ways during the investigation.
The same is not true, however, for McElwain.
"Jim McElwain stepped down from his coaching position at the end of the 2024 season," Mills said. "He continues to support CMU as a special assistant to the athletic director."
CMU President Neil MacKinnon apologized to the Michigan State University community in an email and said the actions by the coaches run contrary to the institution's values and regrets any negative impact the incident may have caused.
"We believe this negotiated resolution is in the best interest of the university, which ensures none of our current student-athletes are affected by the actions of former employees," MacKinnon wrote. "We have also strengthened our internal policies and processes related to sideline access."
Summary of NCAA penalties against CMU coaches:
- Jim McElwain - two year show-cause order; will be stripped of all coaching duties for 30% of games during first regular season and 20% of the second.
- Nate Mason - two year show-cause order; restricted from all athletic activities for the first year and 30% for the second regular season
- Mike McGee - two year show-cause order; restricted from all athletic activities for the first year and 30% for the second regular season
- Jake Kostner - four year show-cause order; restricted from all athletic activities for the first year and 50% for the second regular season
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