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Partridge cleared by NCAA no punishment issued
The NCAA says Chris Partridge will not be punished in the sign-stealing case, while Michigan faces at least a $20 million fine and other staff sanctions.
The NCAA clears Chris Partridge of punishment in the sign stealing case while Michigan faces a heavy program-wide penalty.
Partridge Cleared by NCAA No Punishment Imposed
Chris Partridge, now Seattle Seahawks outside linebackers coach, was dismissed by Michigan in 2023 during the university’s NCAA compliance scrutiny. On Friday, the NCAA announced Michigan faces at least a $20 million fine tied to the Connor Stalions sign stealing allegations, a sanction aimed at the program rather than Partridge himself. The NCAA also noted questions remain about Partridge’s knowledge of the impermissible scouting scheme, but there is insufficient information to conclude he attempted to influence a student-athlete to lie to enforcement staff. The university’s sanctions come alongside other penalties, including Jim Harbaugh receiving a 10-year show-cause penalty and Sherrone Moore’s extra one-game suspension for the 2026 season opener.
Partridge addressed the issue with a brief statement, saying he is grateful for the NCAA’s thorough work. He is continuing his coaching career with the Seahawks, while the broader Michigan investigation continues to shape how the program is perceived and held accountable.
Key Takeaways
"There is insufficient information to reasonably conclude that Partridge attempted to influence a student-athlete to lie"
NCAA findings on Partridge’s involvement
"Grateful for the NCAA’s thorough work"
Partridge’s public statement after the report
"Let the record speak for itself and the work begin"
Editorial take on moving forward from the findings
"A clean slate can reboot a career and a program's image"
Editorial reflection on second chances in college sports
The case highlights a steady tension in college sports: holding programs accountable without punishing every staff member, and the challenge of translating investigations into public trust. Partridge walks away with no personal penalties, but Michigan bears a heavy financial and reputational burden. The language from the NCAA that there is insufficient information to conclude he influenced a player suggests a boundary between individual involvement and systemic oversight. For Michigan, the sanctions raise questions about governance, ongoing reforms, and how quickly a program can move beyond a high-profile scandal. The story also underscores how second chances coexist with long penalties in college football culture, shaping decisions for players, staff, and fans alike.
Highlights
- Grateful for the NCAA’s thorough work
- Let the record speak for itself and the work begin
- A clean slate can reboot a career and a program’s image
- Accountability is a process not a headline
NCAA sanction raises questions and potential backlash
The decision to clear Partridge while Michigan faces a major fine could invite public reaction and debate about accountability, due process, and how penalties are assigned.
The NCAA case is a chapter in a broader story about accountability in college sports, not the final word on it.
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