Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy is being penalized by at least one Heisman voter this season due to the fallout of the sign-stealing scandal with the football program. The Big Ten conference is currently deciding whether they will suspend head coach Jim Harbaugh this season.
Related: Big Ten deciding on possible Jim Harbaugh suspension
Connor Stallions, the low-level staffer at the crux of the scandal, has resigned from the program. He stated Harbaugh did not know of the sign-stealing operation.
The undefeated Wolverines are preparing for their first true test of the season against Penn State this week. They’re hoping to remain eligible for the College Football Playoff. But the team could be punished in multiple ways.
Bet MGM currently gives McCarthy the fourth-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy. McCarthy has a 77.5 completion percentage, 2,134 yards passing, and 18 touchdowns to three interceptions this season.
But the primary factor in winning a Heisman is collecting votes. It doesn’t look pretty for McCarthy as details of the scandal continue to leak as we get closer to the playoffs.
Heisman voter to penalize Michigan Wolverines QB
Gregg Doyel, with the Indy Star, is a Heisman voter. Doyel recently wrote an article explaining why he would not vote for McCarthy:
“Not to identify the three players who will be named on my vote, but to name one player who will not: Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
This story is not an indictment of Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who has done nothing wrong. To the best of my knowledge, anyway, though let’s be honest: People involved with this story have been lying since it broke. The benefit of the doubt is extended only to those who have earned it. The Michigan football program, led by one Michigan Man in particular, has sacrificed any claim to that benefit. Since this story broke Oct. 19, and as it has escalated, Michigan has earned only doubt.
This is not J.J. McCarthy’s fault. But thanks to the Michigan coaching staff, he will pay the price. At least on my ballot. Because, unlike Jim Harbaugh, I plan to sleep tonight with a clear conscience.”
Michigan's sign-stealing scandal should end quarterback J.J. McCarthy's Heisman candidacy. And I'm saying that as a Heisman voter.https://t.co/s5kNsOvBeR
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) November 7, 2023
What’s odd about Doyel’s argument is that he explicitly states his vote has nothing to do with McCarthy. However, he feels no guilt in penalizing the player for the sins of his coaching staff.
Doyel’s vote isn’t going to sway the Heisman into or out of anyone’s favor. However, one can reasonably assume Doyel isn’t the only Heisman voter who will punish McCarthy for the program’s scandal.
College football fans react to Doyel’s argument
Fans had differing opinions on Doyel’s take. Some fans think he’s justified in leaving McCarthy out because he benefited from the sign stealing. Other fans don’t believe Doyel should continue to be a Heisman voter after he showed his bias.
Here are the best takes on Doyel penalizing McCarthy’s chance at the Heisman.
Now that you've admitted to this bias, you should excuse yourself from the Heisman voting.
— Swanky Wolverine (@swankywolverine) November 7, 2023
Harsh, but reality.
Harbaugh and the entire coaching staff should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen.
Bottom line: The team, knowingly or unknowingly, used illegally gained sign information from their opponents for two seasons in their games. It is…
— DjDoug4ever (@djdoug4ever) November 7, 2023
Hard to argue against that.
— Politically Homeless Cat (@cajunphried) November 7, 2023
When he’s facing by far his toughest competition ahead of him, when the scandal is already exposed and there will be no unfair advantage?
What if he plays exceptional in those games? And he may have played very well regardless vs the weaker competition in the beginning of the…
— Kirsten Tanis (@kct2020) November 7, 2023
Completely agree 💯
Can’t have a cheating finalist
— Intrinsic (@intrinsicvalyou) November 7, 2023
Should lose your vote
— James T. Yoder (@JamesYoder) November 7, 2023
Absolutely. McCarthy’s stats should all have asterisks on them.
— The Best Ball Junkie (@BestBallJunkie) November 7, 2023
Is there any weaker profession than journalism right now? It’s like the where cowards go to pretend they’re mean girls. What a sophomoric clown you are.
— HarrisonBergeron (@thejaphyryder) November 7, 2023
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