Jim Leonhard addresses Braelon Allen transfer rumors: ‘Teams are tampering’

After rumors have circulated about Braelon Allen‘s future with Wisconsin, interim coach Jim Leonhard claimed teams are actively tampering. The Badgers are currently in the midst of a coaching change and coaching search after firing Paul Chryst and naming defensive coordinator Leonhard their interim head coach.

As a result of the turmoil surrounding the program, rumors spread on social media about Allen that he was considering entering the NCAA Transfer Portal — rumors that Allen had to comment on finally.

On Saturday after Wisconsin’s loss to Iowa, Leonhard was asked about the rumors and made a direct claim that teams were tampering with his players.

Jim Leonhard claims teams are tampering with Wisconsin players

“Unfortunately we have to recruit our own team every day right now,” said Leonhard. “I would never accuse any teams of tampering with your players — but teams are tampering with other people’s players. And it’s unfortunate to see where it’s at, but you know, I have to continue to show a clear vision. I’ve mentioned it a number of times, the uncertainty is gonna cause people to look and see what the best decisions for their future are.

“And we have to be real about that as coaches, and that’s why we have these conversations almost daily with our team about where we’re going, what the plan is and how we’re gonna get there. And that’s all we can do at this point. And like I said, it’s unfortunate that a kid has to address that with the media when it’s not supposed to be real. Right? But obviously it is.”