George Perles, the former Michigan State University athletic director, football coach and longtime Board of Trustees member, resigned Thursday because of his growing battle with Parkinson's disease.
"This decision was not easy nor was it made without consulting my family and medical advisers," Perles, 84, said in his resignation letter. "Michigan State University has been a home to me and my family for nearly 65 years ...
"It has been no secret that I have been living with a number of health challenges. Despite the limitations, I continued to support the university and remained focused on fulfilling my commitments as a Trustee.