Michigan Football Booster Linked To Scandal, Denies Involvement

If you thought the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal news was coming to a halt, you would be wrong; in fact, this morning, the program fired one of its top assistant coaches: linebackers coach Chris Partridge. That said, Jim Harbaugh is still not linked to anything related to the scheme, and Partridge’s involvement sounds like it is all after the fact, which once again bodes well for the Maize and Blue. That said, a new Yahoo report states that there may have been a Michigan football booster linked to Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing circle — known as “Uncle T” — though the alleged booster denies it.

Michigan football booster linked to Connor Stalions sign-stealing scheme

Chris Partridge allegedly destroyed evidence pertaining to the Michigan football sign-stealing scandal, as well as shared information with some of the players, which led to him being fired on Friday morning. That said, there is no evidence that he knew of what was going on before the scandal broke last month — not yet, at least.

Still, there is another threat that Michigan football is facing: a team booster, known as “Uncle T,” allegedly funded some of Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing. Now, the hint of good news for U-M — if these allegations turn out to be true — is that the school is still not directly linked. A booster is an outside source of revenue, and the school’s NIL collective has already removed him.

“Uncle T” denies involvement with Stalions plans

This “Uncle T,” who is believed to be Michigan football booster Tim Smith, denies being involved in the scheme and having a relationship with Connor Stalions.

“I can give you good news: 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 okay,” booster Tim Smith said, according to a report from Yahoo Sports.

“People don’t understand why he would do it,” Smith added in the report. “He paid his own way. It meant a lot to him, and he was trying to do whatever he could (for Michigan).”

Without Jim Harbaugh, Michigan football must find a way to overcome Maryland and Ohio State

Amid the scandal, Michigan football must remain focused on the task at hand: beating Maryland this weekend and Ohio State next weekend. If the Wolverines can remain perfect, going 12-0 in the regular season for a second year in a row, Michigan will advance to a third-straight Big Ten title game and likely a third-straight College Football Playoff.

As for the NCAA investigation into Connor Stalions and Michigan football sign-stealing, no one is quite sure where all of this evidence will lead or where it all fits in the grand scheme of things. For now, the team is focused on finishing its impressive season; however, everything will surely get sorted out after the season ends.

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