If I praised his actions, then I'm encouraging bypassing the chain of command, not to mention I'd only add onto the animosity Stephan has goin' on. Worst case, it becomes everyone against him, and that will in no way help. By coming down on everyone equally, I become the asshole everyone's sore at. 

It's classic boot camp mind-games. Give everyone something in common and they'll be that much closer to being a proper unit.