The termination letter written to former Michigan football coach Chris Partridge does not make mention of destroying any evidence related to the sign-stealing investigation into U-M’s program and former recruiting staffer Connor Stalions.
What the letter, obtained by the Free Press via a Freedom of Information Act request, did say was that the former linebackers coach came up short of the agreement he signed when he was re-hired by the university on Feb. 7. The letter was written by Michigan athletics chief of staff Doug Gnodtke.
As we discussed today, the University has received evidence that you have failed to abide by the University directive not to discuss an ongoing NCAA investigation with anyone associated with the Michigan Football Program or others and as a result has determined that you have failed to satisfactorily perform your duties,” the letter read. “As a result, your employment as a Michigan Football Coach is hereby terminated effective immediately and you will not be eligible for rehire at the University of Michigan.
While there is not a specific clause or rule that’s referenced as being broken, there is a line in the employment agreement that was signed by Partridge that read, “as a team member of the Michigan Athletic Department, you agree to abide by and comply with the NCAA, Big Ten Conference and University Rules
