Pete Golding goes off on CFB’s portal issues, calls out ADs’ tampering hypocrisy
By David Wasson
Published:
Ole Miss football coach Pete Golding came under fire earlier this year after Clemson coach Dabo Swinney accused Golding of tampering in the Rebels’ recruitment of California transfer and then-Tigers signee Luke Ferrelli.
On Wednesday, during Day 3 of the SEC Media Days in Tampa, Golding took an opportunity to sound off on what he sees is hypocrisy within the college football system when it comes to tampering.
“What have we created? … Let’s not act like recruiting in college football for the last 100 years is the most moral thing. What are we talking about here?” Golding said. “I’m not going to get into my feelings. I’ve been educated to answer this question. Does that make sense? That’s why we have a great compliance department and all those things.
“No, the model obviously has been broken. I’m all for everybody being on the same playing field and doing the same things. I get it. … We go by the rules of the program and the flow. Like when you’re on the interstate and people are flying by you, what are do you start doing? Damn right. Or you’re going to get hit.”
For what it’s worth, Swinney doubled down in his public feud with Golding at ACC Media Days last week. Ferrelli signed with Ole Miss, reportedly 20 days after beginning classes and football team meetings at Clemson. As a result, the NCAA sent a memo to member schools that warned of harsh penalties for tampering.
“You don’t think other ADs are calling us during the year?” Golding added. “Same ones that are bitching about all this stuff are the same ones calling coaches to come to other schools, so it’s everywhere in every profession. I am not saying I have all the answers.”
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
