Full Breakdown
Former Michigan Assistant Coach Expands Lawsuit, Accusing University Leaders of Pre-Season Sign-Stealing Cover-Up
7/14/2026, 12:54:43 PM
Core Allegations and Legal Action
Former linebackers coach Chris Partridge filed an amended federal lawsuit in March 2026, asserting that the University of Michigan knowingly concealed a sign-stealing scheme involving former assistant Matt Weiss months before the scandal became public in October 2023. Partridge claims that President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel discovered evidence on Weiss’s hard drive during a January 2023 investigation, instructed staff not to document findings, and failed to report the matter to the NCAA or the Board of Regents. The suit also alleges that university officials were aware for years of an inappropriate relationship between former head coach Sherrone Moore and his executive assistant Paige Shiver, yet took no corrective action before Moore’s December 10 2025 dismissal.
Background & Context
The sign-stealing controversy erupted during Michigan’s 2023 national-championship season, prompting the Big Ten to suspend head coach Jim Harbaugh for three games. The NCAA later imposed a substantial fine, a ten-year show-cause order on Harbaugh, and a four-year probation on the program. Separate from the sign-stealing case, former assistant Matt Weiss was charged in 2025 with 24 crimes, including 14 counts of unauthorized computer access and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft for hacking female athletes’ accounts.
Key Figures & Groups
- Chris Partridge – former assistant (2015-19, 2023) and plaintiff.
- Santa Ono – former university president, accused of directing a cover-up.
- Warde Manuel – current athletic director, named in the lawsuit and in recent contract talks.
- Tony Petitti – Big Ten commissioner, also sued.
- Sherrone Moore – former head coach, dismissed after alleged affair with Paige Shiver.
- Matt Weiss – former assistant whose computer allegedly contained sign-stealing evidence.
Data & Statistics
- Weiss faced 24 criminal counts (14 unauthorized-access, 10 aggravated identity-theft).
- The university commissioned an internal review of the athletics program at a reported cost of more than $11 million.
- In late 2024, Manuel secured a five-year contract extension through June 2030, with a clause promising three years’ compensation if terminated without settlement.
Official Statements & Responses
Manuel told Yahoo Sports that he and President Ono “have had several great conversations over the past couple days” and asserted, “There are no plans for me not to continue to be the athletic director for the near future.” The university’s $11 million investigation, conducted by Jenner & Block, remains unreleased but is expected to be presented to the Board of Regents.
Criticism & Opposition
Partridge’s lawsuit contends that the university violated due-process protections by terminating his employment without a proper investigation. The NCAA Committee on Infractions, however, found no violations by Partridge in the sign-stealing case, underscoring a disconnect between the plaintiff’s claims and the governing body’s findings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the timeline of Weiss’s alleged involvement: one account places his computer-related crimes in 2025, while the lawsuit suggests evidence existed months before the 2023 season. Additionally, the NCAA’s official infractions report cleared Partridge of wrongdoing, whereas the lawsuit alleges the university deliberately suppressed exculpatory evidence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The (university) president and I have had several great conversations over the past couple of days,” — Warde Manuel
- “There are no plans for me not to continue to be the athletic director for the near future.” — Warde Manuel
- “The University of Michigan unjustly terminated my employment and spread false and damaging information regarding [my] professional conduct, tarnishing a hard-earned reputation and inflicting irreparable harm on my career and personal well-being,” — Chris Partridge
What’s Next
The unreleased Jenner & Block review is slated for presentation to the Board of Regents, and the lawsuit seeks over $30 million in damages. The outcome may influence future compliance protocols within the Big Ten and the university’s leadership structure.
