NCAA announces penalties for CMU, Jim McElwain in wake of Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal

The NCAA has issued penalties to Central Michigan University and four former staff members, including head coach Jim McElwain, due to their involvement in a sign-stealing scandal connected to Connor Stalions. Each coach received a show-cause order, and the university was fined.

The incident occurred during Central Michigan's 2023 season opener against Michigan State, where Stalions, previously associated with the Michigan coaching staff, infiltrated the Chippewas' sideline. He was assisted by assistant coach Jake Kostner, equipment manager Nate Mason, and recruiting director Mike McGee, offering help to decode Michigan State's signals.

Although McElwain initially claimed ignorance of the plot, the NCAA concluded he was responsible under head coach responsibility legislation. McElwain, Mason, and McGee each received two-year show-cause penalties. McElwain's penalty includes a restriction from coaching duties in the first year and suspensions for 30% and 20% of the games in the first and second