New details have emerged in Chris Partridge's lawsuit against Michigan. The former coach, who claims he was a "scapegoat" in the sign-stealing scandal, now faces conflicting testimony from a former player.

Since then, Partridge filed suit against the University of Michigan, Board of Regents, and athletic director Warde Manuel, arguing that he was used as a “scapegoat.” That situation has since gotten more complicated, with Joey Velazquez entering the picture. 

Joey Velazquez, a linebacker from Columbus, Ohio, played for Michigan under Chris Partridge. The linebacker Velazquez appeared on an NCAA interview and said he and Partridge had two conversations the day before his interview.  

This is where it gets into hearsay territory, as the linebacker claimed that Partridge had asked him if the NCAA had interviewed him, and Partridge suggested that he should not mention other coaches and place responsibility on Connor Stallions. 

There is also a section of the transcript that shows Velazquez saying that Partridge encouraged him to “protect the coaches.” Velazquez felt what Partridge had told him to do was “Lying, I guess.” 

That being said, Partridge has denied these claims.

There is also security footage obtained that offers another conflicting view. The video shows that the linebacker walks toward Partridge as the coach moves towards his office. The two entities stop briefly and speak in a public hallway with other individuals present in the area. 

The video footage does not show the private office meeting. However, Velazquez had told the investigators that Partridge approached him and asked him to return to his office after practice.

On June 7, 2024, the NCAA interviewed Chris Partridge, and the NCAA presented everything that Velazquez had said. Partridge denied all the allegations. 

Partridge said Velazquez followed him and asked for advice as he was worried about the interview. Partridge advised Velazquez to talk to his father and consider getting a lawyer. 

Did Any Linebacker Support Chris Partridge?

Junior Colson, a linebacker who played for the Wolverines in 2021, 2022, and the 2023 seasons before being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Some reports have suggested that Colson may have referenced locker room discussions involving Joey Velazquez, including his NCAA interview and frustrations at the time.

In his March 2026 lawsuit, Chris Partridge stated that he advised a player to “get a lawyer” and speak with his parents before sitting down with the NCAA during the 2023 sign-stealing investigation.

After the 2023 season, Joey Velazquez entered the transfer portal and eventually landed with the Ohio State Buckeyes, returning to his hometown of Columbus.

Nearly two years after his dismissal, Chris Partridge saw the NCAA rule in his favor, stating that the alleged violations were not supported by the evidence. As for Velazquez’s role, no official findings have confirmed whether any false information was provided.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote