A Michigan booster named Tim Smith has denied his alleged involvement in Michigan’s sign-stealing operation.

Multiple reports surfaced Friday that said a Michigan booster known as “Uncle T” was responsible for funding at least part of Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing scheme. Since that report came out, Smith has been connected to the “Uncle T” moniker.

According to Yahoo!’s Ross Dellenger, Michigan removed Smith from its NIL collective Champions Circle. However, in an interview with Dellenger, Smith denied being “Uncle T” and said that he never funded the sign-stealing operation.

“I can give you good news,” Smith told Dellenger. “I don’t recognize being known as ‘Uncle T’ and I will refute that myself. I never funded Connor. To say I knew him is perhaps overstating it. I said hi to him. I’ve spoken to him more since he left Michigan to make sure the young man is OK.”

Linebackers coach Partridge was fired by the program on Friday. Partridge will be replaced by Michigan’s Rick Minter for the remainder of the 2023 season. Minter is the father of Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and has been a defensive analyst for the Wolverines since 2022.

Michigan will face Maryland on Saturday.