Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsFriday, August 7, 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.

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
6 college football teams that could surprise everyone in 20266 college football teams that could surprise everyone in 2026
College Football

These teams are taking a leap this season.

By Mark Schofield
College Football
What can Indiana and Curt Cignetti do for an encore?What can Indiana and Curt Cignetti do for an encore?
College Football

Indiana football expects to be the same machine even with a new QB

By Mark Schofield
College Football
College football’s 20 best transfers of the 2026 seasonCollege football’s 20 best transfers of the 2026 season
College Football

20 transfers that will define the 2020 college football season.

By Mark Schofield
College Football
North Dakota State’s college football dynasty finally reaches the big leaguesNorth Dakota State’s college football dynasty finally reaches the big leagues
College Football

North Dakota State dominated FCS college football. Can it work in the Mountain West?

By Mark Schofield
College Football
Heisman Trophy rankings: Predicting college football’s top contenders for 2026Heisman Trophy rankings: Predicting college football’s top contenders for 2026
College Football

College football’s long list of Heisman Trophy candidates entering 2026 season

By Mark Schofield
College Football
College Football Reacts: Are patch deals ok for the game?College Football Reacts: Are patch deals ok for the game?
College Football

Let us know how you feel about the takeover of patch deals in college football

By Kyle Thele