Michigan Booster Denies Any Involvement In Funding Sign-Stealing Scheme

Just 24 hours after it was announced that the University of Michigan and Jim Harbaugh had settled with the Big Ten Conference and agreed to a three-game suspension, it was announced today that linebackers coach Chris Partridge had been fired. What led to his firing is still unclear, as the University of Michigan said it cannot comment due to employee privacy laws.

"From the outset, our focus has been on seeking due process and allowing the NCAA to conduct a fair and deliberate investigation. Although the Big Ten has closed its investigation, we are continuing to cooperate with the NCAA as it moves forward with its ongoing investigation. Consistent with our commitment to integrity, we will continue to take the appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures, based on information we obtain. Earlier today, Michigan Athletics relieved Chris Partridge of his duties as a member of the Michigan Football staff. Due to employee privacy laws, we are unable to comment further."

Shortly after his firing was announced, a report published by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports indicated that the University of Michigan became aware Partridge had covered up evidence relating to the NCAA investigation, and that a booster - named in the NCAA report as "Uncle T" - allegedly helped fund the sign-stealing scheme led by Connor Stalions.

In @YahooSports interview, Michigan booster Tim Smith denies involvement in sign-stealing probe, claims he’s a “scapegoat” & refutes he's Uncle T.

Today, UM’s NIL collective removed him as a member.

“There are people wanting to throw some under the bus”https://t.co/JS2SXAePpU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 17, 2023

Earlier this afternoon, Yahoo Sports reached out to the individual believed to be "Uncle T", Michigan athletics donor Tim Smith.

“I can give you good news,” Smith said during the phone call with Yahoo Sports. “I don’t recognize being known as ‘Uncle T’ and I will refute that myself. I never funded Connor. To say I knew him is perhaps overstating it. I said hi to him. I’ve spoken to him more since he left Michigan to make sure the young man is OK.”

Smith denied any involvement with Connor Stalions, including funding the sign-stealing scheme, and went on to say that he was being targeted as a scape goat.

“I think there are people wanting to throw some people under the bus. ‘It’s all Connor and someone else!’ If Uncle T is me, I’m not aware that it is me.”

Smith was part of a Michigan NIL collective called "Champions Circle", and he learned he was dismissed from the collective this afternoon via text message.