Wake Forest fires football radio announcer for spying for opponents
A Wake Forest radio announcer has been terminated after an investigation led to revelations about providing leaked Wake Forest plays and playbook.
Wake Forest issued a statement today that longtime radio announcer and Wake Forest Football alum Tommy Elrod has been immediately terminated upon the discovery that he may have been providing game preparation information to opposing teams dating back to 2014. The investigation began when questions arose surrounding the November 12 game against Louisville. Now that the investigation has concluded, the evidence of wrongdoing has necessitated Elrod’s immediate dismissal.
Back in November, there were reports that Louisville may have had access to Wake Forest’s playbook ahead of the game, leading to a 44-12 rout of the Deacons. Louisville coach Bobby Petrino vehemently denied these claims, stating that they won the game by playing hard and sticking to their game plan. When asked about leaked information, Petrino was adamant that he didn’t know what that was about: “I have no knowledge of the situation. We take a lot of pride in the way we operate our program. As I’ve stated already this season, my coaching philosophy has always been to play the game with sportsmanship.”
Today, Wake Forest officials confirmed that Elrod did indeed release or try to release confidential information. According to the statement, Elrod “provided or attempted to provide confidential and proprietary game preparations on multiple occasions, starting in 2014.”
Elrod played for the Wake Forest program from 1993-1997 and had multiple positions under coach Jim Grobe over the course of 11 seasons.
Wake Forest Athletic Director Ron Wellman released the following statement: “I have known Tommy Elrod since his days as a player on our football team. I’m deeply disappointed that he would act against Wake Forest, our football team and our fans in such a harmful manner by compromising confidential game preparation information. It is a relief that the team can move forward without his actions further undermining the positive strides Dave Clawson, his staff and the team have made. All of us are now preparing for final exams and the Military Bowl and continuing to build an outstanding football program.”
Football coach Dave Clawson also expressed his frustration at the news, stating that Elrod took advantage of having full access to the team. “It’s incomprehensible that a former Wake Forest student-athlete, graduate-assistant, full-time football coach, and current radio analyst for the school, would betray his alma mater. We allowed him to have full access to our players, team functions, film room, and practices. He violated our trust which negatively impacted our entire program. I am glad we have taken steps to ensure it will not happen in the future.”
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Elrod has been fired from his position at IMG Radio Network and has been banned from Wake Forest facilities.