Ohio State AD Slams Michigan Cheating Scandal, Wants OSU's Losses To Include One Thing
Ohio State AD Gene Smith has some bitter feelings and harsh words for Michigan.
The Wolverines have won three straight games against the Buckeyes, and it's led some OSU fans demanding Ryan Day be fired.
However, the situation is definitely not without controversy. Michigan's winning streak started at the same time Connor Stalions' alleged massive cheating scandal began.
The former Michigan staffer (known as CIA Stallions to some) is believed to be the main mastermind behind a sign stealing scandal that had tentacles seemingly all over the country. Stallions resigned, Jim Harbaugh was suspended the final three games of the season - including the win over OSU - and there still could be punishment looming on the horizon.
Smith seems to think the losses to Michigan while the cheating operation was underway shouldn't really count.
Gene Smith slams Michigan over cheating scandal.
What does Smith think should happen with the cheating scandal? Well, he probably wants a massive punishment, but he'll settle for an asterisk for now.
"Yeah, of course I do. Of course I do. The rules are in place to protect the integrity of the game and try your best to create a level playing field. When those rules are violated, it affects those principles. We have to keep that in perspective," Smith said on WOSU's "All Sides with Anna Staver" when asked if an asterisk should be placed next to the losses, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Gene Smith wants Ohio State's losses to Michigan during the cheating scandal to have an asterisk. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
It's comments like this one that warm the souls of college football fans. It's May 2024, and Gene Smith is talking about a cheating scandal that likely ended at the start of November 2023 when Stallions resigned.
It's not the most insane claim. There have been plenty of records throughout history that have been vacated due to cheating. That's almost certainly not going to happen to Michigan, but Smith likely would love to see exactly that.
All things considered, it's amazing how Michigan skated out of the scandal. Stallions rode off into the sunset as a hero, Michigan won the national title and Harbaugh bolted for refuge in the NFL with the Chargers.
Michigan has beat Ohio State three straight times. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
No matter what happens, the memories of Michigan winning the national title can't be taken away from the team or fans. Still, Gene Smith holding this grudge seemingly indefinitely is something fans will definitely enjoy. Seethe, Gene. Seethe for me. Let me know if you agree at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.