Heisman Voter Removes JJ McCarthy From His Ballot Over Michigan Cheating Scandal

Getty Image

On Tuesday, Heisman Trophy voter Gregg Doyel of the Indy Star announced he would be removing quarterback J.J. McCarthy from his ballot over the Michigan Wolverines’ cheating scandal.

J.J. McCarthy is currently competing an eye-popping 75.7 percent of his passes for the Wolverines with 2,134 yards (averaging 10.4 yards per pass attempt) and 18 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions.

He is the second highest rated quarterback in the entire nation, only behind Jayden Daniels of LSU, with a 188.67 Passing Efficiency rating.

One major betting site has McCarthy listed as fourth on the list of favorites to win the Heisman Trophy behind Daniels, Oregon’s Bo Nix, and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.

Those odds, however, could take a serious hit if other Heisman Trophy voters follow Doyel’s lead – something he hopes to see happen.

“Am I grandstanding for attention? Some people will think that – as if it’s fun to be on this island, to arrive here by choice just so Michigan fans can come after me with all the meanness they can muster,” Doyel wrote.

“No, the reason for this story – and this feels harsh, even as I type these words, though I’ll explain more as we go – is to show other Heisman voters the way.”

Doyel then cites the Heisman Trophy Trust’s mission statement.

“The Heisman Trophy Trust’s mission is to grow the legacy and preserve the integrity of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, which is annually awarded to the outstanding college football player in the United States whose performance epitomizes great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work,” the first paragraph reads.

He focuses on the word “integrity” before clarifying (sort of), “This is not J.J. McCarthy’s fault.”

Doyel adds, “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.”