College Football

Carl Pelini resigned from FAU after allegations of cocaine, marijuana use

Documents obtained by SB Nation show Carl Pelini resigned as Florida Atlantic's head football coach following allegations of cocaine and marijuana use.

By Spencer Hall@edsbs Nov 1, 2013, 6:18pm EDT

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Carl Pelini resigned from his position as head football coach at Florida Atlantic University on Wednesday after two affidavits alleged he used both marijuana and cocaine during his time at the school.

In documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by SB Nation, a man named Matt Edwards and a woman named Allison Stewart state they witnessed Pelini's use of illegal drugs. Matt Edwards is also the name of FAU's defensive line and special teams coach and a longtime assistant tied to former FAU defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis, who also resigned.

Edwards claimed to have seen Pelini smoking marijuana in Key West on Oct. 19, 2013. He also claimed to "have personally seen Carl Pelini use both marijuana and cocaine" in the 12 months prior to his statement. Edwards made the same claim about Rekstis.

Stewart's statement corroborates the specific use of marijuana on Oct. 19, but only mentions receiving a text message from Pelini admitting on Oct. 20 that "he uses drugs on occasion."

Wednesday, FAU athletic director Pat Chun said he became aware of the allegations on Monday and that the coaches resigned immediately after being confronted with the evidence.

The affidavits and other documents related to the case, including Pelini's letter of resignation, follow.

Carl Pelini FOIA

Additional reporting by Brendan Porath.