“I’m on the other side of the fence; I’m a Democrat,” Perles said Wednesday night. “I haven’t endorsed him.”

Lyons, however, said he previously had a “detailed conversation” with Perles, in which the former MSU coach said he would endorse his former player. But Perles’ switch Wednesday surprised Lyons.

“Let’s just say that wasn’t what was communicated previously,” Lyons said.

Even though party ties prevented Perles from supporting Lyons, Trustee Donald Nugent — a Republican who is running for re-election this fall — said trustee elections normally are not highly politicized.

“It doesn’t get real political; I’ve always had Democrats supporting me in the past,” he said. “That happens and that’s fine.”

Democratic trustee Colleen McNamara also is up for re-election.

Lyons will vie for one of the two open spots as a Republican candidate, crowding the party race that includes Nugent.

“At the end of the day I’m at a point in my life when I want to make a difference,” Lyons said. “I love the university having spent time there and played ball there. I just really was at a point in life when a lot of people look at that position, as I feel like I have the energy and passion to do it now.”

Following a seven-year career in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers, Lyons returned home to Grand Rapids and started a financial resource management firm.

Nugent said he is excited for the trustee race, and hinted at a third Republican who has yet to declare candidacy.

“At this point it sounds like there will be three of us for two slots,” he said. “And that’s good. A little competition is a good thing and a great deal of blessing.”

Lyons also said he respects his competitors, and added he likes the party’s chances of winning the two spots. In the end, though, MSU is not about partisan politics, he said.

“The other party’s always in favor when it comes to elections,” he said. “Bottom line is it’s doing what’s right for MSU, not a party issue.”

Zane McMillin contributed to this report.