Dave Portnoy is a Michigan man. That will not be news to anyone, if for no other reason than Portnoy advertising it every chance he got. True to form, he affirmed his support for his alma mater once more in the face of an NCAA investigation. Said investigation might just cost the Wolverines’ quarterback J. J. McCarthy his chance at the most prestigious award in college football.

Gregg Doyel, a Heisman Memorial Trophy voter and columnist for the Indianapolis Star, broke his silence at his own risk. Doyel announced via print his decision to leave McCarthy out of his ballot for the trophy. He considers that alone fair, given the scandal enveloping Jim Harbaugh’s team. Doyel’s choice drew Dave Portnoy’s ire, with the latter choosing his words carefully on social media.

Dave Portnoy has choice words for Gregg Doyel

Dave Portnoy responded via his X handle. He began with a friendly greeting but ended on less-than-friendly terms. Portnoy went down memory lane to recount another incident where Doyel attempted to play spoilsport. He referred to the time the New England Patriots beat the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 season AFC Championship game. Portnoy termed Doyel a professional loser and a crybaby. He wrote, “Hi Gregg. Remember when you cried for 3 years straight about the Patriots ramming it down the Colts’ throat? I do. You are not only a Heisman voter; you are a professional loser and crybaby.”

There is every chance Gregg Doyel might not get a say. As Doyel wrote in the Indianapolis Star, all Heisman trophy voters are supposed to maintain radio silence. They cannot name publicly who they will vote for. Though it might cost him his vote, Doyel revealed he would not be voting for J.J. McCarthy. He noted it was to preserve the integrity of the award, in light of the sign-stealing scandal that saw Connor Stalions leave Ann Arbor. Doyel considers it unfair if McCarthy wins the Heisman Memorial Trophy.

Gregg Doyel on a crusade to preserve the award’s integrity

Doyel’s argument is that Harbaugh knew beforehand what plays his opponents would run. Regardless, J.J. McCarthy is enjoying a stellar season. But his last game left a lot to be desired as he was sacked three times. Blake Corum spared his blushes with three rushing touchdowns. Overall, he completed 75.7 percent of his 206 passes, which traveled 2,134 yards in total and threw 18 touchdowns, all in nine games. Doyel’s position on the matter angered Dave Portnoy no end.

Read More – Amid NCAA’s Investigation Into Michigan for Alleged Sign-Stealing, Alum Dave Portnoy Stands Firm

Dave Portnoy has always stood by his alma mater. He rushed to their defense once more. Proud of his Michigan ‘roots,’ Portnoy also announced solidarity with Stalions. As per the Daily Mail, the NCAA investigation into Michigan is likely to go on past the end of the regular season. Simultaneously, the Heisman Trophy will be awarded on December 9, four days after the finalists are named. It remains to be seen if Doyel’s words sway other Heisman voters.

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