Desmond Howard calls Heisman voter ruling out J.J. McCarthy a clown, calls for removal

ESPN college football analyst Desmond Howard has not been shy about defending his beloved Michigan Wolverines over the years. And on Friday evening on College Football Live, he took great offense when Greg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star made sure to point out that McCarthy will be off his Heisman Trophy ballot due to the sign-stealing scandal.

Howard didn’t hold back when ripping into Doyel on College Football Live. “He’s a clown. A complete clown. … For a guy to say that, his vote should be taken away from him. Absolutely. It makes no sense. That’s from a winner,” Howard said on Friday.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is in the running for the Heisman Trophy, but at least one voter will be removing him from their ballot due to the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal.

Heisman voter says he will keep J.J. McCarthy off his ballot

Gregg Doyel of the Indy Star made sure to point out that McCarthy is off his ballot, “Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal should end quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s Heisman candidacy,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Heisman voter explained his reasoning in a column on Tuesday. Evidently, there’s nothing McCarthy can do over the remainder of the season to change his point of view.

“The first rule of Heisman Trophy voting is you don’t talk about Heisman Trophy voting. This is a serious and volatile undertaking, like ‘Fight Club’ only with more anger, and a Heisman voter who betrays the wishes of the Heisman Trophy Trust runs the risk of losing his or her vote. Or my vote, in this instance, because I’m going to talk about Heisman Trophy voting,” wrote Doyel. “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.”

Doyel claims he’s not “grandstanding for attention,” although many will believe he is. Instead, he’s hoping to “show other Heisman voters the way,” believing McCarthy cannot be the recipient of the legendary honor.

“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,” added Doyel. “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.”

Whether Doyel’s stance is right or wrong is sure to be debated. Michigan faithful will certainly have their feelings. Regardless, the writer is putting himself out there, for one reason or another.

Perhaps J.J. McCarthy’s play will force the hand of some voters, or maybe others will follow suit. Regardless, the Michigan quarterback will continue to simply play his game, which has been more than good enough in 2023.

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this article.