Prominent Michigan donor denies being 'Uncle T,' who allegedly help fund sign-stealing operation: report

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Michigan businessman Tim Smith is well-known among fellow Michigan boosters as the head of a Detroit-based engineering solutions company who previously sat on the Champions Circle, an NIL collective for Michigan Wolverines athletics. 

Smith has been mentioned as being "Uncle T," an unknown Michigan donor who allegedly became involved in the school's sign-stealing operation by contributing financially to the scheme. 

Smith has strongly denied he is "Uncle T." The Athletic made contact with Smith, who said his attorney informed him his name had been floated as the mysterious booster. 

The money in question was believed to have directly benefited former Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions through his alleged advanced scouting of the Wolverines' opponents. 

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The Michigan logo at Michigan Stadium (Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Smith claims his name is being used in an attempt to make him a "scapegoat," according to Yahoo Sports. He also noted he learned Friday he was kicked off the Champions Circle.

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Smith denies being involved in any financial transaction with Stalions, The Athletic reported. He also said he has never been referred to as "Uncle T."

"I’ve never heard that term," Smith said. "No one has called me that or referred to me as that."

A Michigan Wolverines helmet before the VRBO Fiesta Bowl national championship semifinal game between the Michigan Wolverines and the TCU Horned Frogs Dec. 31, 2022, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.  (Kevin