Central Michigan Under NCAA Investigation for Sign-Stealing Allegations
Mount Pleasant, MI – Central Michigan University has become the latest team to face formal charges from the NCAA in connection to an extensive sign-stealing investigation that has captivated the college football world. The notice of allegations was delivered to the school on June 27, linked to an incident from almost two years ago involving a man believed to be Connor Stalions, a former staffer at the University of Michigan.
The controversy escalated during Central Michigan’s 2023 season opener against Michigan State when a person resembling Stalions, dressed in Chippewas coaching gear and wearing sunglasses that appeared to include a recording device, was spotted on the sidelines. This sighting sparked a national discussion and led to an investigation that the NCAA initiated in late October 2023.
Stalions, who has become a significant figure in this ongoing scandal, has consistently denied being present during the game. He has maintained this stance even after the release of the Netflix documentary Untold: Sign Stealer, which explored the larger implications of his alleged sign-stealing operations.
According to the NCAA’s Division I infractions database, the formal inquiry into Central Michigan began on October 31, 2023, with the notice of inquiry following just a few days later on November 3. The investigation has been a prolonged one, taking over a year and facing multiple delays due to claims of “false or misleading information” and the reluctance to provide requested materials. Finally, a review board convened on November 21, 2024, which led to the issuance of the NOA this summer.
Central Michigan has until September 25 to respond formally to the allegations. Former head coach Jim McElwain, who stepped down at the end of the 2024 season, insisted he had no idea who the man on the sidelines was. “We were totally unaware of it,” McElwain told reporters, adding, “I certainly don’t condone it in any way, shape, or form, and I do know that his name was on none of the sideline passes that were let out.” Additionally, Jake Kostner, the former quarterbacks coach who worked with Stalions at Michigan, also resigned from Central Michigan during fall 2024, although his involvement remains unclear.
The situation with Stalions involves allegations that he masterminded a widespread effort to decode opponent signals by purchasing tickets to various games and sending associates to record sidelines. The incident at Central Michigan represents the only publicly acknowledged occurrence suggesting he physically infiltrated a sideline while disguised.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s case with the NCAA continues, with a ruling expected before the 2025 season. In the interim, Coach Sherrone Moore will face a two-game suspension imposed by the university, including a critical match against Central Michigan set for Week 3.
