Report: FAU now says Carl Pelini wasn't fired for using illegal drugs

FAU initially said Carl Pelini was fired for using illegal drugs. (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Carl Pelini's abrupt resignation/firing as head coach at Florida Atlantic was not a result of his using illegal drugs, according to a letter from the school's interim president, per an ESPN report.

During an Oct. 30 news conference, FAU athletic director Pat Chun said that Pelini and defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis resigned after both admitted to using "illegal drugs," which was in violation of their contracts.

A week later, Pelini told ESPN he was seeking reinstatement, denied using illegal drugs and said that he "was being relieved of my duties for failure to supervise my staff."

According to ESPN's Brett McMurphy, the school as since amended its cause for termination:

"FAU did not terminate your employment because of a finding that you used illegal drugs," FAU interim president Dennis J. Crudele wrote in the letter Tuesday. "Accordingly to clarify these significant points ... your resignation is withdrawn and your separation is converted to a termination with cause based on our finding that you failed to timely report certain conduct of a member of your staff, as required by your contract."

Crudele's letter reportedly indicates that Pelini will "accept this course of action and waive [his] right to appeal this decision."

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FAU has won three straight games since Brian Wright took over as interim coach and is on the cusp of becoming bowl eligible.

"It is unfortunate that the good work you were doing to help turn around our football program ended under these circumstances," Crudele wrote to Pelini. "The high note that our team is ending the season on and its promising prospects for future seasons is a direct reflection of your good work."