Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

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.

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.

More from SB Nation college football:

Full Week 10 college football TV schedule guide

Why Florida State should destroy Miami

Georgia-Florida story’s changed: Dawgs to win ugly?

Michigan State to beat Michigan, march toward Ohio State

• Long read: Inside Chip Kelly’s New Hampshire laboratory

College Football
The NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their sideThe NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their side
College Football

A big can of worms has been opened in college sports

By Mark Schofield
College Football
Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’
College Football

Mascot game! Tush push!

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?
NFL

Brendan Sorsby calls out NCAA hypocrisy as his football future is uncertain

By Mark Schofield
College Football
NAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered statesNAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered states
College Football

The NAACP is asking athletes to take up the fight for voting rights.

By James Dator
College Football
Oregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes senseOregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes sense
College Football

Oregon coaches have a strange question for potential recruits.

By Mark Schofield
NFL
Why Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RBWhy Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RB
NFL

The Notre Dame star is the rare running back worth a top-10 or even top-5 pick.

By Mark Schofield