Carl Pelini suing ex-FAU assistant who alleged coach's drug use

Lawsuit claims Matt Edwards knowingly signed false affidavit

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Former Florida Atlantic University head football coach Carl Pelini is suing an ex-assistant who alleged that Pelini used illegal drugs, ultimately leading to his departure in 2013, according to a report.

Pelini filed a defamation lawsuit Monday in Seneca County, Ohio, according to a report by Sports Illustrated.

The lawsuit alleges that former FAU assistant coach Matt Edwards knowingly signed an affidavit that was false and made statements that caused "injury, harm, damage to reputation and other damage" to Pelini, who is seeking damages in excess of $25,000.

FAU athletic director Pat Chun said Pelini and defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis resigned in October 2013 after they "admitted to wrongdoings" that included drug use, but Pelini claimed he was forced to resign.

The school later withdrew Pelini's resignation and fired him. Then-FAU President Dennis Crudele sent Pelini a letter saying the school was firing him because he "failed to timely report certain conduct."

Edwards stated in an affidavit that he saw Pelini smoking marijuana in Key West. Edwards also said he witnessed Pelini using cocaine in the past.

Pelini, who has denied using drugs, was hired last week to serve as defensive line coach at Youngstown State University under his brother, Bo Pelini.

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