Joey Galloway says Michigan should be 'kicked off planet earth' if it cheated vs. Ohio State
Joey Galloway isn’t going to have it if the NCAA investigation into Michigan reveals any wrongdoing against Ohio State. The Wolverines are currently facing potential punishment after former staff Connor Stalions allegedly helped steal play signs of opponents, including 12 Big Ten schools.
Michigan defeated the Buckeyes each of the past two seasons to reach the conference championship game, including a dominant 45-23 win in 2022. Galloway, a former Ohio State receiver turned ESPN analyst, called for “due process” in the investigation against the Wolverines, saying the Big Ten shouldn’t be so quick to punish the program without additional information.
However, he made sure to add that if it is found out they cheated against the Buckeyes, he wants the hammer to be brought down.
“I just want due process,” Galloway said. “Let’s not jump to any conclusions. Let’s not punish until we have the facts. Once they get the facts, once they figure out exactly what happened and exactly who did it. If he cheated against the Buckeyes, he should be kicked off of planet earth. I’m just saying.”
The most recent wins were the first since coach Jim Harbaugh took over in 2015. Prior to the past two seasons, Michigan had lost eight straight games in the annual rivalry with Ohio State.
The Big Ten notified the Wolverines on Monday of potential disciplinary action as a result of the alleged sign-stealing. However, with Michigan at No. 3 in the current CFP rankings and national title contender, Joey Galloway reiterated he doesn’t believe any action should be taken until the full story is clear.
“Due process if all I’m asking for in this situation,” he said. “I know everyone jumps to the conclusion of, ‘we have to punish and then let’s investigate to find out just how bad it is.’ It shouldn’t work that way.”
Greg McElroy, Rece Davis weigh agree that Michigan should not be punished this season
After Galloway’s comments, Greg McElroy weighed in with his opinion. He argued that barring the Wolverines from a postseason appearance would hurt the players rather than the staff that was involved in the scandal.
Instead, he suggested a fine for Harbaugh amid talk that the Big Ten could attempt to suspend the Michigan coach.
“If you take away a postseason appearance, you’re not hurting Jim Harbaugh,” he said. “Jim Harbaugh’s been to the Playoffs twice. You might be taking a little bit of money out of his pocket, shame on the program and it’s a black eye on what’s been a really fun season. But what you’re really hurting is you’re taking away an opportunity to play in the postseason for 18-23 year old guys who have that eligibility clock that started. They might only get one more shot to make a run at a national championship.
“So I am completely against any semblance of a postseason ban or having (the players) be held responsible for what’s gone on. I would fine Jim Harbaugh to death, but I would not punish the players. I would not punish the team.”
Rece Davis followed McElroy to say that he doesn’t believe that even Harbaugh should be suspended this season. At most, he agrees that a fine should take place as well as potentially taking steps to limit recruiting.
“There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that it happened,” Davis said. “I think even suspending Harbaugh punishes the players. I would limit his recruiting contacts and fine Michigan if, in fact, they have the jurisdiction to do that.”