Pelini called his resignation "forced," after FAU athletic director Pat Chun and a university police officer confiscated Pelini's phone and denied his requests for legal counsel. Wrote Pelini, "I know now that my legal counsel would have advised me not to sign the (resignation) letter."
Pelini resigned on Oct. 30, three days before FAU was to play Tulane. In a press conference announcing Pelini's resignation, Chun described instances of "illegal drug use," calling it "unacceptable." An affidavit signed by FAU defensive line coach Matt Edwards claimed he witnessed Pelini using both marijuana and cocaine in the previous 12 months. An affidavit signed by Allison Stewart, who is affiliated with the football program, said Pelini had admitted using drugs.
Pelini, who was 2-6 in 2013 and 5-15 overall at FAU, writes he denied using illegal drugs three times to Chun and offered to take a drug test. Chun then said the allegations of drug use didn't matter, Pelini wrote.
"Mr. Chun responded to me by telling me that the truth about my drug use did not matter because I was being let go based on a failure to supervise my staff," the letter reads.
According to ESPN, Chun said Pelini initially agreed to participate in a drug test on Oct. 30 but declined when informed it would be completed immediately.
Pelini also notes how FAU's decision "did not follow the dispute resolution procedures" in his contract. According to Pelini, FAU is required to give him written notice of any potential matter before beginning a 30-day investigative period.
"For this reason, I respectfully withdraw my resignation letter on the basis that it was forced and not voluntary," Pelini wrote. "I am confident the investigation will show that the allegations against me were false, that I did not fail to supervise my staff, and that I am entitled to continue as FAU's head football coach."
