Sports
Partridge sues Michigan over firing during Stalions scandal
Former Michigan assistant football coach Chris Partridge, fired during the Wolverines’ 2023 sign-stealing scandal only to be later cleared of wrongdoing by the NCAA, sued the university, its board of trustees and athletic director Warde Manuel in federal court Wednesday.
Partridge, now the Seattle Seahawks‘ linebackers coach, was fired Nov. 17, 2023, amid the investigation into an advanced scouting operation run by then-staffer Connor Stalions. Partridge was never alleged to have known about the sign-stealing scheme, let alone participate in it.
But in a 46-page complaint filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, Partridge alleges he was made a “scapegoat.”
The lawsuit alleges Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti “presented [Michigan athletic director Warde] Manuel with uncorroborated, second-hand, inflammatory information” that Partridge had told an unnamed student-athlete to “not be forthright with information” when speaking with NCAA investigators.
The complaint alleges that Petitti “threatened to embarrass Michigan by presenting” the information during a pending injunction hearing concerning a suspension of then-coach Jim Harbaugh.
Both Michigan and the Big Ten declined to comment.
Citing unnamed sources, local and national news organizations reported at the time that Partridge had “destroyed evidence.”
Partridge denied all claims, stating he never destroyed any evidence, never had any evidence to destroy in the first place and had only told the player who sought his guidance to “get a lawyer.”
“A Michigan football player approached Partridge, told him he was nervous about his upcoming interview with the NCAA, and asked for advice,” the lawsuit says. “Partridge … advised him to speak with his parents about getting a lawyer and to just be honest with the NCAA.”
In 2025, the NCAA Committee on Infractions sided with Partridge on three separate alleged violations, including the “failure to cooperate” charge reference in his lawsuit, offering a near total exoneration.
“The panel concludes that the case record does not demonstrate that these violations occurred,” the committee wrote.
By then, the complaint contends, the damage was done. Partridge, despite his job with the reigning Super Bowl champions, told ESPN he still aspires to work in college football but the scandal in which he was cleared of any wrongdoing hangs over him.
Partridge, 45, is the former head coach of New Jersey high school powerhouse Paramus Catholic and became a college assistant at Michigan (twice) and Ole Miss.
Partridge told ESPN that the lawsuit is designed to continue clearing his name in the hopes he can return to the college level as a head coach. He is seeking the recovery of lost wages as well as for damages due to the impact the firing had on his professional reputation, career prospects and personal health.
“I always believe that the truth will eventually come out,” Partridge said. “I went all the way through the process with the NCAA and the truth prevailed. And I feel I have to go all the way through the process with Michigan for the truth with Michigan to prevail.”
The lawsuit offers a window into the intense and contentious back-and-forth between the Big Ten and Michigan during the 2023 season.
The sign-stealing scandal broke Oct. 18, when the NCAA was presented with evidence by a still-unidentified third party that Stalions was sending individuals to opponents’ stadiums to film sideline signals. Over the ensuing weeks, additional information came out almost daily, dominating the headlines as the Wolverines steamrolled to a 15-0, national championship season.
Things came to a head when the Big Ten levied a three-game suspension on Harbaugh, citing its “sportsmanship” clause. Outraged by the suspension, Harbaugh and the university sought an injunction.
Partridge’s complaint says that Petitti told Michigan that revealing the new “information was likely to result in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court denying Michigan and Harbaugh’s request for an injunction.”
The lawsuit contends that information, however, was merely “uncorroborated, second-hand, false information about Partridge.”
Regardless, according to the complaint, “Manuel offered to fire Partridge and to dismiss Michigan and Harbaugh’s legal claims against the Big Ten and Petitti.”
Meanwhile, per the complaint, “in exchange, Petitti agreed not to publicly disclose the sensationalized information he had shared with Manuel, to issue a positive public statement about the parties resolving their dispute, and to do nothing further regarding the NCAA’s ‘sign-stealing’ investigation.”
Partridge was fired but always maintained his innocence and mounted a significant defense when the NCAA’s official allegations were levied.
Not only did the NCAA Committee on Infractions side with Partridge, but the lawsuit alleges that during the hearing, Manuel told the committee “he was under immense pressure at the time he fired Partridge” and “because of this pressure, he made hasty decisions.”
Manuel, per the lawsuit, approached Partridge at the end of the hearing, “shook his hand and told him he was sorry Partridge had to go through this.”
“My passion is to be a head college coach,” Partridge told ESPN. “That has always been a dream of mine. I’m not going to give up on that just because other people made bad decisions.”
The lawsuit also notes that had Manuel provided proper oversight of Harbaugh and Stalions, none of this scandal would have occurred in the first place, since Partridge had nothing to do with the advanced scouting operation.
It also cites how Manuel’s immediate firing of Partridge is inconsistent with how Manuel dealt with allegations against other athletic department staff members, including former head coach Sherrone Moore, dismissed in December for having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Soon after Moore’s firing, the university hired Jenner & Block, a Chicago-based law firm, to conduct a full-scale review into the culture, conduct and procedures of the entire athletic department after a series of scandals. It is expected to share its findings this spring.
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Cedric Alexander becomes new TNA X Division champion, crushing Leon Slater’s history-making attempt
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All eyes were on the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) X Division Championship on Thursday night as Leon Slater looked to retain the title over Cedric Alexander and solidify himself as the longest-reigning X Division champion in the company’s history.
Slater knew a legacy was on the line as he looked to break a record set by Austin Aries. But he needed to pin Alexander twice in one match to retain the title. It was a steep mountain to climb as Alexander had been just as dangerous since he entered the company.
The match started off hot with Slater and Alexander trading blows to begin the match. But a quick-thinking Slater rolled up Alexander quickly for the first fall.
Cedric Alexander in the ring during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 23, 2025. (Bradlee Rutledge/WWE)
Alexander was able to go on offense from there. He hit a nasty German suplex on the outside of the ring. He continued to work on Slater’s tweaked neck. He later hit a Lumbar Check to tie the match at 1-1.
Slater went deep into his bag. He hit an avalanche Styles Clash, which could have kept anyone else down. However, Alexander kicked out. Alexander was able to counter Slater’s high-flying abilities just for a moment and knocked him back out of the ring.
Alexander sent Slater into the steel steps, leaving him busted open. Alexander declared that he would be the “greatest” X Division champion. One brainbuster later, Alexander tried to pin Slater, but couldn’t get him down.
Alexander hit a Lumbar Check again, but Slater kicked out. Slater mustered up the last ounce of energy. A tilt-a-whirl slam set Alexander up for a swanton 450. Slater missed and Alexander hit another Lumbar Check, and then again.
Leon Slater enters the arena during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 6, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
Alexander pinned Slater for the win, completely shocking the fans in Sacramento, California. It will be the first reign for Alexander and his first title of any kind in TNA.
Alexander is a reminder, at least for TNA, that “The System always wins.”
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Fabian Aichner appears
Fabian Aichner, formerly known as Giovanni Vinci, makes his way to the ring during WWE SmackDown at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Sept. 20, 2024. (WWE/Getty Images)
Moments before TNA went off the air, the lights went out in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Emerging from the darkness was Fabian Aichner.
Aichner stared down Alexander and appeared to name himself the next challenger for the X Division Championship. Aichner, known as Giovanni Vinci for much of his run in WWE, hadn’t really been seen or heard from in months since his departure from WWE.
Aichner wrestled under his real name for a stint in WWE before he came back as Vinci in June 22. He was with WWE until 2025. He was a two-time NXT tag team champion and an Evolve champion before it became a WWE brand.
Eric Young earns future shot at TNA World Championship
Eric Young outlasted nine other men in an over-the-top battle royal and earned a shot at Mike Santana’s TNA World Championship to start the show.
The match came down to him and Elijah after the latter was able to toss members of The System out of the ring while also avoiding Frankie Kazarian trying to get back into the match following his own elimination.
Young and Elijah came to blows on the apron, knowing that as soon as their feet touch the ground, they would be eliminated. Young grabbed onto Elijah’s hair to try to hang onto the moment. Elijah broke away with Young’s back turned to him. Elijah, however, didn’t account for his wide stance.
The TNA original kicked Elijah in the groin and pushed him down to the ground. Young won the match and received a shot to win the TNA World Championship in the future.
He also made clear that Santana was next on his list of people to wipe out as he did to Joe Hendry, EC3 and Ricky Sosa in weeks past.
“Mike Santana, you’re gone next,” he declared.
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Mike Santana learns his next opponent
Mike Santana stands in the ring during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 30, 2025. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)
Mike Santana came out to address the crowd and praised Young for his efforts to help build TNA from the ground up.
“You better be coming with something different because while you may be someone who helped build this place, when it comes to the new era of TNA on AMC, I’m the guy. I’m the man. I’m the one who holds down the fort week after week as your TNA world champion.”
While Young might have earned a title shot, Daria Rae came out and revealed to the crowd that Steve Maclin was cleared to return to action following an injury at the hands of Santana.
Maclin will get a shot at Santana’s TNA World Championship next week on “Impact.”
Santino Marella also came out during the segment after he was “suspended.” He revealed that Indi Harwell re-signed with TNA.
Lei Ying Lee, Xia Brookside rivalry heats up
Xia Brookside attends the “Freelance” screening at Regal Waterford Lakes in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 24, 2023. (Jose Devillegas/Getty Images)
Lei Ying Lee brought the TNA Knockouts Championship back home last week with a win over Arianna Grace. She addressed the crowd before being interrupted by her former best friend, Xia Brookside.
In all black, Brookside claimed she was already in Lei’s head.
“You’re such a fraud. I’ve destroyed you mentally, I’ve destroyed you emotionally, I’ve destroyed you physically, and that title will be around my waist.”
Both competitors tossed expletives at each other before the segment was over. But Brookside made clear that she had her eyes on the title.
AJ Francis prevails over KC Navarro
A.J. Francis told Fox News Digital before the SacTown Street Fight on “Impact” that he was going to bring the pain to Navarro.
While wearing “Show Stealer” across his back, Francis did just that. Francis took some punishment from Navarro – a few shots from a baseball bat and a drop kick with a trash can.
Francis was able to turn the tide for a few moments, using the baseball bat to his advantage. But Navarro dug deep. He aligned six chairs in the ring, hoping to splash Francis through it. Instead, Francis countered and attempted an avalanche Down Payment. Somehow, Navarro countered with a cutter as both men crashed through the sea of chairs.
It looked like it could’ve been it. Navarro went for the pin, but only got a two count.
Francis turned on the heat from there. He got ahold of Navarro and hit a Down Payment through tables lined up on the outside of the ring.
He rolled Navarro back into the ring and picked up the pinfall victory.
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“Impact” match results
- Eric Young wins the 10-man battle royal to earn a shot at the TNA World Championship.
- A.J. Francis def. KC Navarro in a SacTown Street Fight.
- Rosemary and Allie def. Veronica Crawford and Mila Moore
- Cedric Alexander def. Leon Slater to win the X Division Championship.
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The Greek Freak could soon be on an odyssey out of Milwaukee.
Where could Giannis Antetokounmpo land next? Here are the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 14.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
Giannis Antetokounmpo next team
Bucks: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
Celtics: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
Heat: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Warriors: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Cavaliers: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Knicks: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Blazers: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Wolves: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
During Antetokounmpo’s 12 years in the league, he has been named the regular-season MVP twice, won an NBA title and was named finals MVP.
However, since the Bucks won that title at the end of the 2020-21 season, things have progressively gone downhill.
The following season, Milwaukee lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Boston Celtics in seven games. Then, the Bucks did not make it past the first round in three consecutive seasons.
This season, Milwaukee missed the postseason entirely.
Where do the Bucks go from here? Is it time to trade their franchise cornerstone?
Reports have circulated across the basketball universe for over a year that the two sides don’t see an alternate solution, and just this week, Shams Charania reported that a trade is once again on the table this offseason.
If they do decide to restart their roster, the offers for Antetokounmpo will be hefty. Second on the board are the Celtics, who might consider parting ways with Jaylen Brown after a first-round exit in this year’s playoffs. Brown made waves after that postseason exit by exclaiming that this season was his favorite as a professional, despite Boston’s untimely defeat and Jayson Tatum missing a majority of the season while recovering from a ruptured Achilles.
Pakistan sealed a 67-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I, powered by Eyman Fatima’s unbeaten half-century and a disciplined bowling display, at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, on Thursday.
The victory helped Pakistan secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, whose final fixture will be played at the same venue on Friday.
Set to chase a daunting 171-run target, the touring side could accumulate 103/8 in their 20 overs and thus succumbed to a series-conceding defeat.
Captain Nomvelo Sibanda remained the top-scorer for the Chevrons with an unbeaten 18 off 37 deliveries, followed by No 10 batter Kudzai Chigora, who made 14 not out.
Besides them, Adel Zimunu, Lindokuhle Mabhero, 12 each, Beloved Biza (11) and Natasha Mtomba (10) could amass double figures against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack.
Nashra Sandhu was the standout bowler for Pakistan, as she took two wickets for just 18 runs in her three overs, while Sadia Iqbal, Tuba Hassan, Ayesha Zafar, Natalia Pervaiz and captain Fatima Sana chipped in with one scalp apiece.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s decision to bat first eventually proved beneficial as the home side piled up 170/4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of an unbeaten 78-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Eyman and Natalia Pervaiz.
The Green Shirts got off to a brief flying start to their innings as their opening pair of Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza (nine) put together 27 runs before the latter fell victim to Michelle Mavunga on the third delivery of the fifth over.
Pakistan then suffered two more setbacks to their batting expedition as the last match’s centurion, Ayesha Zafar and returning Iram Javed could muster four and five respectively.
With the scoreboard reading 46/3 in 7.4 overs, Eyman joined set batter Muneeba in the middle, and the duo batted sensibly to add 46 runs for the fourth wicket until the opener was dismissed by Lindokuhle Mabhero in the 14th over, walking back after scoring a 33-ball 36 with the help of four fours.
Following her departure, Eyman joined forces with batting all-rounder Natalia, and the duo ensured a dominant finish with the bat for Pakistan by knitting an unbeaten 78-run stand.
Eyman, who dominated the crucial stand, remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with an unbeaten 79 off 43 deliveries, studded with 10 fours and four sixes, while Natalia contributed with 24 not out from 19 balls, comprising three fours.
For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange, Mabhero and Mavunga picked up one wicket apiece.
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