It seems like things are going from bad to worse for embattled Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel as more damaging information has come to light via a lawsuit filed against the University of Michigan, Manuel, and Santa Ono.
The Michigan Board of Regents and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti are also listed as defendants on the lawsuit filed on behalf of Chris Partridge, the former Michigan football assistant coach, who was fired during the 2023 season. He was accused of discussing the investigation with a player, but was later proven innocent of those charges.
Partridge was fired because of what happened, even though he didn't do anything wrong. Therefore, he filed a lawsuit against Manuel, among others.
Trey Wallace of Outkick and Fox Sports reported some details from the filing, which are less than flattering for Manuel, alleging that he knew about the sign-stealing scheme led by Connor Stalions, as well as having previous knowledge about the affair between Sherrone Moore and Paige Shiver.
Also, there is a federal lawsuit by former assistant Chris Patridge against the University of Michigan, Warde Manuel, Santa Ono, Tony Petitti, and UM Board of Regents.
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace) July 13, 2026
Amended complaint says Ono and Warde Manuel knew of sign-stealing scheme before 2023 seasons ago, thanks to… pic.twitter.com/rAlzL2yH7N
Of course, having knowledge of the affair and being able to prove it are two different things. These are also just allegations laid out in a lawsuit. They have not been proven or adjudicated in court.
More bad news for Michigan AD Warde Manuel
Still, it's not a great look for Manuel, who was often charged, by fans, with not knowing what was going on, like when Dusty May left for the Dallas Mavericks out of nowhere. Some have said that it seemed obvious, but it wasn't obvious to the Michigan athletic director.
The lawsuit alleges that information about the sign-stealing scheme was found in the Matt Weiss investigation. It also states that a Michigan football assistant coach was the one who went to the family of Paige Shiver to get her to go public about the affair, which she ended up reporting to Manuel.
It has been a series of scandals under Manuel that have gone from NCAA investigations to poor personnel decisions. These are just allegations, but like everything else for Manuel right now, it doesn't look good.
There is a Michigan Board of Regents Meeting this Thursday, and it is expected that Manuel will accept a buyout, ending an up-and-down tenure. Despite being rocked by scandals, Michigan has won national championships in football (2023) and men's basketball (2025-26). The baseball program, hockey program, and women's basketball team have also made the Final 8 in their sport during Manuel's tenure.
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