As the investigation surrounding Michigan’s sign theft continues, it appears Michigan supporters are at least partially behind the money, according to a report from Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wetzel and Ross Drenger.
As revealed to schools this week, the NCAA discovered documents linking a promoter named “Uncle T” to Connor Stallion’s scouting circle.
The NCAA also uncovered evidence that an assistant coach destroyed computer evidence shortly after details of the scandal initially emerged. The assistant coach is reportedly linebackers coach Chris Partridge.
The report states that Partridge was unaware of Stallion’s role in the high-level reconnaissance, although he destroyed evidence after the news broke.
Partridge was fired by Michigan earlier Friday.
More: Latest news on Michigan sign theft scandal
Who is Uncle T?
The identity of “Uncle T” is currently unknown.
A Michigan supporter named “Uncle T” helped fund Stallion’s efforts in the sign-stealing scandal and provided “thousands of dollars” to help sustain it, according to NCAA documents cited in a Yahoo Sports report this scandal.
Stallion was a recruiting analyst for the Wolverines. He was suspended without pay on Oct. 20 and later resigned on Nov. 3 after refusing to comply with the NCAA’s investigation.
The Star Lions travel across the country to find several different Michigan opponents in different games. Such behavior violates the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy because the scouting is conducted in person.
Is Tim Smith “Uncle T”?
Some of those questioned as potential “Uncle Ts,” as the NCAA calls them, have denied having anything to do with it. Among them is Michigan State supporter Tim Smith, who has denied any involvement in funding Stallion’s sign-stealing scheme.
“I can give you good news,” Smith said on a call with Yahoo Sports. “I do not admit to being called ‘Uncle T,’ and I will personally refute that claim. I never created Conner. It’s probably an exaggeration to say that I knew him. I said hello to him. Since he left Michigan, I Chatted with him numerous times to make sure the young man was okay.
According to Smith, Team Stallion funded his own sign-stealing by selling a home for more than $100,000.
Smith said he felt both he and Stallion were “thrown under the bus” as “scapegoats.” Smith was removed from membership in the school’s name, image and likeness group “Circle of Champions” via text message by school officials on Friday.
Smith told Yahoo Sports that he was removed from the group “because they said it might reflect poorly on other members of the championship circle.”
Is Tom Brady “Uncle T”?
Former Michigan quarterback and NFL legend Tom Brady has also been questioned as many are still trying to guess who “Uncle T” actually is. However, Wetzel quickly put the rumors to rest and posted a message on X (formerly Twitter).
“I can report with Ross Drenger that Michigan backer “Uncle T” is not Tom Brady,” He wrote. “continue.”