Michigan linebacker coach Chris Partridge insists he had 'no knowledge' of the school's sign-stealing scandal... and claims he was fired for simply discussing it with a member of the team

Former University of Michigan linebacker coach Chris Partridge issued a statement denying his involvement in attempting to destroy evidence pertaining to the school's sign-stealing scandal.

Partridge was fired on November 17 in his first year back at Michigan - a school he worked at from 2015-2019 in various roles.

Multiple reports claimed that Partridge helped to cover up or destroy evidence on a computer.

In a statement released on a personal Twitter account on Monday afternoon, Partridge told his side of the story.

'Out of deep respect and consideration for the young men of Team 144, I waited to issue this statement to avoid additional distractions to the Team as they achieved their goal of defeating Ohio State and completing an undefeated regular season,' Partridge wrote.

'Unfortunately, the manner in which the termination of my employment and my role as a Coach at Michigan has been reported is inaccurate and has resulted in people speculating and making assumptions about my knowledge of, and connection to, the sign-stealing allegations within the football program.

'I want to be clear: I had no knowledge whatsoever of any in-person or illegal scouting, or illegal sign stealing.

'Additionally, at no point did I destroy any evidence related to an ongoing investigation.

'As explained to me by Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel in person on the morning of November 17, 2023 and as set forth in my termination letter of the same date, signed by Doug Gnodtke, Michigan Athletics Chief of Staff, I was terminated because of a failure "to abide by the University directive not to discuss an ongoing NCAA investigation with anyone associated with the Michigan Football Program."

'I take pride in being a trusted mentor to the athletes that I coach. One of my core values is to be a source of support, through thick and thin, for each and every student-athlete that I am responsible for. I have never wavered from that responsibility.

'While I am extremely disappointed by the University's decision to terminate my employment, their decision does not change my continued love and support of Coach Jim Harbaugh, the coaches and the players of Team 144 as they continue on their quest for a National Championship!'

The scandal has already resulted in the termination of a former staffer, Connor Stalions, over his alleged role in going to opponents' games to record their plays on cell phone video.

Multiple Big Ten schools say they have evidence over multiple years of these activities and that Stalions bought tickets in his name.

Harbaugh, the head coach of the Wolverines, was suspended for the remainder of the regular season by the Big Ten.

His suspension ended at the conclusion of Saturday's game against Ohio State - with Harbaugh now set to coach Michigan in the Big Ten Championship game.

Michigan is currently ranked second in the AP Top 25 with a perfect 12-0 record on their hands. They'll test that against No. 18 Iowa this Saturday in Indianapolis.