Report: Michigan booster funded scouting scheme, Chris Partridge attempted to destroy evidence

The NCAA has presented “new evidence” to Michigan, which explains why the university appears to be changing course after coming out fighting the Big Ten.

According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, a Michigan booster known as “Uncle T” helped fund the Michigan sign-stealing scheme. Dellenger also reports that former linebackers coach Chris Partridge, who was fired on Friday, tried to destroy computer evidence after news broke of the scouting system.

“Chris Partridge is not believed to have known the extent of the in-person scouting scheme before YahooSports originally reported the story last month. But NCAA evidence points to him destroying a computer or at least computer files documenting the in-person scouting scheme,” Dellenger posted on Twitter.

Breaking: NCAA presented Michigan evidence that points to a UM booster – “Uncle T” – as having partially funded the scouting scheme & an assistant coach, now-fired Chris Partridge, as attempting to destroy computer evidence, sources tell @DanWetzel & me.https://t.co/RrF6X9FWKG

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 17, 2023

Michigan originally announced that it was fighting back against the Big Ten and would battle in court to try to get Jim Harbaugh‘s three-game suspension to close out the regular season overturned. Thursday afternoon, the University announced that it was no longer going to fight the Big Ten and instead agreed to the three-game suspension.

More news broke from Michigan Friday morning as linebackers coach Chris Partridge was fired. Michigan released a statement but did not give a reason for the firing.

“Effective today, Chris Partridge has been relieved of his duties as a member of the Michigan Football staff. Rick Minter will serve as the team’s linebackers coach,” the statement said.

We now know why Partridge was fired as Dellenger reports that he tried to destroy evidence in the case.

Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh to travel with team to Maryland while serving Big Ten suspension

Even though he is suspended, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is traveling with the team for Saturday’s game against Maryland, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.

Harbaugh and Michigan on Thursday stood down and accepted the final two games of a Big Ten suspension.

That suspension doesn’t allow Harbaugh to coach on game days or be in the stadium, but it doesn’t keep him away from his team during the week. Evidently, Harbaugh plans to use every last second he can to prep his squad each week.

Harbaugh will address the team and be involved in the prep up in until game time, Rittenberg added. It’s a routine Harbaugh already went through against Penn State last week.

Then come game time, Harbaugh will be back to his hotel room to watch the action. The Wolverines will host Ohio State next weekend in the final game of the regular season.