At least one Heisman voter this season has penalized Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy because of the fallout from the football program’s sign-stealing scandal. At present, the Big Ten conference is deliberating over whether to suspend head coach Jim Harbaugh for the upcoming season.
Related: The Big Ten will decide whether to suspend Jim Harbaugh.
The program has announced the resignation of Connor Stallions, the low-level employee at the center of the controversy. He claimed that Harbaugh was unaware of the sign-stealing scheme.
This week, the unbeaten Wolverines take on Penn State in their first real test of the season. Their goal is to continue being qualified for the College Football Playoffs. However, the team may face several forms of punishment.
McCarthy presently has the fourth-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy according to Bet MGM. This season, McCarthy has passed for 2,134 yards with a 77.5 completion percentage, 18 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
But garnering votes is the main requirement for winning a Heisman. As the playoffs approach and more information about the scandal comes to light, McCarthy’s situation doesn’t seem good.
Heisman voter Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star. Doyel recently penned a piece in which he stated his reasons for not supporting McCarthy:
“To name one player who will not be on my ballot, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, rather than to list the three players who will be on mine.
J.J. McCarthy of Michigan is innocent; this story is not meant to be an indictment of him. To the best of my knowledge, anyhow, let’s face it: Since the story broke, people connected to it have been lying. The only people who are given the benefit of the doubt are those who have earned it. Any claim to that benefit has been forfeited by the
Michigan football program, under the direction of one Michigan Man in particular. As the story has developed since it first surfaced on October 19, Michigan has only gained suspicion.
It is not the fault of J.J. McCarthy. But he will pay the price because of the Michigan coaching staff. On my ballot, at any rate. Because I intend to sleep soundly tonight, unlike Jim Harbaugh.”
