College football, a cherished American institution, has been marred by numerous scandals over the years. These scandals have not only affected the teams involved but have also had far-reaching implications for the sport as a whole. Here is an in-depth look at some of the most significant scandals in college football history, including the recent Michigan three-year-long cheating controversy.
The Biggest College Football Scandals in History
7. Reggie Bush and USC
The University of Southern California (USC) was embroiled in a college football scandal involving star player Reggie Bush, who received improper benefits during his college career. The NCAA imposed severe penalties on USC, including a two-year postseason ban, a reduction of scholarships, and the vacating of wins. Bush voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy as a result of the scandal, which had a lasting impact on the program.
Bush’s Heisman is back in its rightful place, however.
6. Miami (FL) and Nevin Shaprio
The University of Miami faced a major scandal involving booster Nevin Shapiro, who provided impermissible benefits to players from 2002 to 2010. Shapiro’s actions included giving cash, travel, jewelry, food, and cars to 72 players. The scandal resulted in the suspension of eight players, a self-imposed bowl ban for two seasons, and the loss of scholarships. The NCAA also imposed a three-year probation on the program.
“The U” has yet to recover.
5. SMU’s Death Penalty
The Southern Methodist University (SMU) football program received the NCAA’s “death penalty” in the 1980s, a punishment that effectively suspended the program for the 1987 season. This severe sanction was the result of SMU’s repeated violations, including maintaining a slush fund to pay players. The scandal highlighted the issues of corruption and illegal payments in college football and led to significant changes in NCAA enforcement policies.
Looking back at a lot of these college football scandals, the SMU one looks more and more odd. It is especially so when you think about today’s NIL payments.
4. Academic Scandals at UNC
Academic improprieties have been a recurring issue in college football. Notably, the University of North Carolina faced an academic scandal involving fraudulent classes and improper benefits for student-athletes. The NCAA imposed a postseason ban, scholarship reductions, and probation on the program. Similar issues have occurred at other institutions, including Florida State, where academic fraud led to the vacating of wins and a probation period.
3. Baylor Sexual Assault Scandal
Baylor University was involved in a major college football scandal involving allegations of sexual assault by football players and a failure by the university to adequately address these issues. The scandal led to widespread criticism, changes in university leadership, and a tarnished reputation for the football program.
2. Michigan Sign-Stealing Scandal
The Michigan sign-stealing scandal is one of the most recent controversies to hit college football. During the 2023 season, Michigan’s impressive run to a third Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff was overshadowed by allegations of sign-stealing. Connor Stalions, an off-field staffer and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, was at the center of this scandal. Reports suggested that Stalions, and individuals hired by him, scouted opponents and electronically recorded their signs, actions that violate NCAA rules. He bought tickets to 58 games over three years and transferred them to people doing the program’s bidding in order to illegally tape signs.
The NCAA launched an investigation into these allegations in October 2023. The investigation is ongoing, and many questions remain about the scope of the operation and the potential penalties that Michigan might face. The scandal has dominated headlines and could have significant ramifications for the Wolverines in the future. Jim Harbaugh, like a rat fleeing a shrinking ship, bolted for the NFL after Michigan refused to give him total immunity. New head coach Serrone Moore was part of it all as well and will also be punished.
The punishments are slowly being handed out (unrelated to the COVID recruiting violations, of course). For a program that has always prided itself on doing things the right way and being Michigan Men™, their greatest stretch of football since World War II now has a massive asterisk. Kentucky was just forced to vacate their 2021 wins for playing a few players who were “paid without work being done,” what kind of punishment should the NCAA levy upon a three-year, intricate cheating scandal that was the only reason for the program surviving a 2-4 2020 season?
In terms of on-field college football scandals, Michigan’s three years of cheating is by the worst, and now the only people who recognize their National Championship* reside in Ann Arbor.
As zero-time National Champion and Michigan legend Bo Schembechler put it:
“Every coach, every executive, every leader: They all know right from wrong. Even those Enron guys. When someone uncovers a scandal in their company, I don’t think they can say, “I didn’t know that was going on.” They’re just saying they’re too dumb to do their job! And if they really are too dumb, then why are they getting paid millions of dollars to do it? They know what’s going on.”
Some are suggesting vacating wins is too lenient. Perhaps Michigan should be forced to forfeit every game from 2021 through 2023? Make them go on official record with losses to Bowling Green, etc.? It would set a precedent and would deter future cheating attempts. If they don’t get punished, what is to stop another second-rate program from digging out of the Stone Age and cheating as Michigan did?
1. Jerry Sandusky Scandal at Penn State
The Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State is widely regarded as one of the most heinous in college football scandal history. Sandusky, a long-time assistant coach at Penn State, was found guilty of multiple counts of child sexual abuse. The scandal broke in 2011 and led to the firing of legendary head coach Joe Paterno for a “failure of leadership,” as well as the resignation of athletic director Tim Curley and the dismissal of school president Graham Spanier.
The NCAA imposed severe penalties on Penn State, including a four-season postseason ban, the vacating of all wins from 1998 to 2011, a reduction of 20 scholarships over four years, and a $60 million fine. The scandal had a profound impact on the university and its football program, tarnishing its reputation for years to come.
Conclusion
These scandals underscore the challenges and ethical issues that have plagued college football over the years. They highlight the need for stringent oversight and accountability in collegiate athletics to ensure the integrity of the sport. As investigations continue and new allegations arise, the lessons learned from these scandals remain crucial in guiding the future of college football.
