The Connor Stalions Saga continued on Monday.
According to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain is now the subject of an NCAA investigation involving former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions' presence on the Chippewas sideline last fall.
News: The @NCAA is investigating @CMU_Football Coach Jim McElwain re Connor Stalions' sideline presence last year. This is an investigation apart from the NCAA's inquiry into Michigan and the Stalions' sign-stealing scandal. https://t.co/bNBVhWCyDn
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) November 12, 2024
The NCAA is seeking to determine if McElwain had a role in allowing Stalions to appear on the sidelines for Central Michigan's 2023 season opener against Michigan State. Stalions, the mastermind behind Michigan's sign-stealing scheme, is one of several subjects in an ongoing and separate investigation into the Wolverines.
McElwain, who was Michigan's wide receivers coach in 2018, stated last fall that he did not know Stalions was at the game. "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," he told reporters.
If the NCAA finds McElwain was involved in allowing Stalions on the Central Michigan sideline, the 62-year-old could receive a number of violations. Additionally, if the NCAA determines Stalions was on the sideline, he would have violated NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which states, "Off-campus, in-person scouting (in the same season) is prohibited."
NEW: @TheAthletic has obtained more photos of the goatee'd sunglasses person on the Central Michigan sideline at Michigan State.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 31, 2023
CMU is looking into whether this is Connor Stalions.
Story: https://t.co/79siEcZ89r pic.twitter.com/R5AyslTIWF
The Central Michigan investigation is separate from the Michigan case involving Stalions. Michigan received a Notice of Allegations on Aug. 25 regarding improper in-person sign-stealing of future opponents. If the Wolverines have not responded already, the program is nearing its 90-day limit to do so. Extensions can be requested, Dodd reported.
