In the grand scheme of things, it was a satisfactory day for the University of Michigan athletics program, successfully avoiding a postseason prohibition for its football team following the NCAA’s long-awaited decision regarding the sign-stealing accusations.
It proved to be an even more advantageous day for a particular coach who was previously dismissed by the Wolverines due to his involvement in the aforementioned scandal.
Chris Partridge, formerly an assistant coach at Michigan and the sole individual terminated by the program following the revelations surrounding Connor Stalions, his former subordinate, was effectively cleared of any wrongdoing in the NCAA’s official report on the infractions. Despite facing three allegations outlined in the NCAA’s notice of allegations, the governing body acquitted Partridge on all counts, choosing not to impose any personal sanctions against him:
The NOA included additional claims against Partridge, alleging: (1) organizing and executing unauthorized tryouts involving prospective players; (2) offering an improper incentive to a prospect; and (3) failing to cooperate fully during and after his tenure at Michigan. The recruiting-related allegations were categorized as Level II infractions. The allegations concerning the failure to cooperate were presented as Level I infractions. Partridge challenged each of the allegations. The committee has determined that the evidence presented does not sufficiently demonstrate that these infractions occurred.
Partridge, who presently serves as the outside linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks, issued a statement expressing his gratitude, asserting his innocence, and reaffirming his continued support for the University of Michigan:
Partridge’s statement:
I extend my sincere appreciation for the comprehensive investigation conducted by the NCAA Infractions Committee. For nearly two years, I remained silent while numerous members of the mainstream media disseminated falsehoods regarding my character and the reasons for my wrongful termination by the University of Michigan.
The vindication of my name and the restoration of my reputation hold immense significance for both myself and my family. My faith in the process remained unwavering, and throughout this ordeal, I remained true to my values as an individual and a mentor. I remained dedicated to being an integral part of a team and working in harmony with my fellow coaches to provide guidance to young athletes as they navigate the complexities of the sport of football.
I extend my heartfelt affection to all the coaches and players from Team 144!
Partridge’s employment was terminated in November of 2023, with the university informing him that it had acquired evidence suggesting he had violated a directive prohibiting him from discussing the investigation with other members of the program. In its findings, the NCAA noted that it discovered a student-athlete had spoken to Partridge concerning an upcoming interview related to the investigation.
However, the NCAA’s findings essentially indicated that Partridge’s sole advice to the student-athlete was to seek legal counsel, a fact corroborated by an affidavit provided by another student-athlete who was present in the room, as well as camera footage obtained from the football facility. The NCAA determined that there was “insufficient evidence to reasonably conclude that Partridge attempted to influence a student-athlete to provide false information to the enforcement staff.”
Partridge’s initial association with Michigan commenced in 2015, when he assumed the role of director of player personnel. Subsequently, he served as a linebackers coach, safeties coach, and special teams coordinator across two distinct periods with the program.
While Partridge avoided further consequences, four of his former colleagues received penalties from the NCAA. Current Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore received a one-game suspension, in addition to a self-imposed two-game ban, and a two-year show cause penalty, while former head coach Jim Harbaugh, former assistant Denard Robinson and Stalions were all issued their own show-cause orders.
The University of Michigan itself is facing a substantial financial penalty, estimated to be in the eight-figure range, based on its football program’s budget and two years’ worth of postseason compensation revenue, in addition to some relatively minor recruiting-related penalties. The university is currently appealing the decision, despite the prevailing sentiment among many observers that the penalties imposed were lenient.
