The Ole Miss Rebels-Clemson Tigers tampering controversy has taken a new turn after Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding opened up about the incident. 

The controversy first surfaced after Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney accused Ole Miss of tampering with Luke Ferrelli after he had enrolled at Clemson.  

“I think a lot of things make headlines,” Golding issued a warning as reported by USA Today on May 27. “There's a lot more people involved that everybody might not know. I'm not gonna sit up here and say whatever we did or we didn't do, was it right or was it wrong?"

Following the NCAA investigation, Golding's claim implied that sanctioning him could open the door to exposing broader issues across college football.

During a press conference on January 23, the Clemson head coach claimed that Golding texted this message while the quarterback was in his 8 a.m. class.

“I know you’re signed. What’s the buyout?” read the message.

Swinney further claimed that Golding even texted Ferrelli a photo of a million-dollar contract. Months later, Golding is reportedly planning to bring other schools under scrutiny.

“Sources throughout the spring told On3 that Golding has told Ole Miss confidants that the NCAA knows he is willing to take down competitors if the Rebels are hit with tampering penalties,” On3 analyst Pete Nakos wrote. “Sources have said Golding would be willing to expose more than 15 other schools of tampering.”

Golding has already started to question why another SEC rival is not being investigated.

Pete Golding Questions NCAA’s Handling of Tampering Cases 

When asked about the tampering case involving Ferrelli during the Southeastern Conference meetings in Miramar Beach, Florida, Golding pointed out how Ferrelli stepped in as a replacement for a player.

The player's decision to hit the transfer portal led to questionable circumstances. Golding described the departing player as a three-year starter. So, it is an apparent reference to former starting linebacker TJ Dottery, who transferred to LSU, now coached by former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, on the final day of the transfer portal window.

“The kid we’re talking about tampering was on an official visit that weekend,” Golding said, via The Athletic. “You’re talking now 10 days later, from an official visit, all of a sudden that this is now so wrong to reach out to a guy that (officially visited), that wanted to be there."

Meanwhile, the NCAA has reopened the investigation. The associate director wrote in the email to Ole Miss senior associate athletic director for compliance, Taylor Hall, requesting forensic copies of both official and personal mobile devices used by Pete Golding.

It has also requested the devices belonging to Ole Miss general manager Austin Thomas, outside linebackers coach Matt Kitchens, and several others.

What do you think of Golding's warning as the NCAA continues the investigation? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar