Louisville suspends co-offensive coordinator Lonnie Galloway in the latest fallout from the Wake Forest leaked playbook scandal that saw a radio announcer fired.
Louisville is getting ready for its appearance at the Citrus Bowl, but the latest fallout from the Wake Forest leaked playbook scandal has hit close to home with the suspension of the Cardinals’ co-offensive coordinator Lonnie Galloway. The announcement came from Louisville’s athletic director Tom Jurich days after an investigation determined that longtime radio announcer and Wake Forest alum Tommy Elrod had passed along or attempted to pass along game prep information to opposing teams as far back as 2014. The scandal came to light after the Nov. 12 game between Louisville and Wake Forest when speculation was raised about the game after Wake Forest lost 44-12.
Here’s the statement released by Jurich earlier today:
“Two days ago, I announced that our co-offensive coordinator, Lonnie Galloway, received information from Tommy Elrod of Wake Forest concerning information that belonged to Wake Forest.
Since then, we have carefully and thoroughly reviewed what took place following the receipt of information from Wake Forest on their investigation. I have also been in regular contact with the Commissioner of the ACC. Coach Petrino has been firm that on the two occasions in which he previously commented on the matter, he did not know about the information provided at that time.
It is clear to me that the information should not have been shared by anyone at Wake Forest and it should not have been received by anyone at the University of Louisville. Although no one from Louisville sought the information, once it was provided, we did not do what should have been done. The information should not have been accepted. It should have been rejected and officials at Wake Forest should have been alerted to the inappropriate action taken by Mr. Elrod.
As a result, I am suspending Coach Galloway from participation in the Citrus Bowl, effective immediately. We will also accept any actions in which Commissioner John Swofford deems appropriate.
This is an unusual situation. When someone receives information they should not be given, it is important that they do the right thing. Even in a competitive atmosphere, the right and ethical thing would have been for us to not accept the information. I regret very much that this took place.”
Related Story: Wake Forest fires football radio announcer for spying for opponents
Jurich’s statement clearly reflects Louisville understands the severity of the situation. The question now is how widespread this problem is, and what will happen now that it’s out in the open.