Bret Bielema Has Change of Heart on Georgia Allegations

-

Bret Bielema Has Change of Heart on Georgia Allegations originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

During a recent episode of "The Triple Option" podcast, Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema stirred controversy when discussing running back Josh McCray’s transfer to the Georgia Bulldogs. 

“Somehow he found his way to the portal and 12 hours after being in the portal he was on a flight to Georgia. I don’t know how that happened, but it’s crazy,” Bielema remarked, insinuating tampering by Georgia’s program.

His startling comments triggered widespread speculation. Several outlets covered the coach’s remarks, noting that while Bielema never directly named names, he “implied Georgia tampered with running back Josh McCray."

But just hours later, Bielema took to X to clarify his statement, offering concrete details that painted a different picture. 

“He actually entered the portal on 4/18 at 12:08 pm which we helped him do and guided him on the process moving forward," Bielema wrote, addressing a user named Jon.

"Appreciate your time and inaccurate information. He is a great young man and at a great place with great people. Don’t make something of nothing.” 

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart speaks to reporters at the SEC spring meetings.© Marc Weiszer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With that post, Bielema explicitly confirmed Illinois’ involvement in McCray’s transfer timing, undercutting earlier implications that Georgia may have acted improperly. 

He praised the running back as “a great young man” and urged critics to stop inflating the situation. 

Bielema’s clarification didn’t just defuse speculation, but it also confirmed his long‑standing support for McCray.

In fact, Illinois’ coach had been openly preparing for the transfer since April, emphasizing a four‑year dialogue about this eventual move. That context completely reshapes the narrative from recruiting misconduct. 

Related: Tennessee Gets Good News on Highly Touted Playmaker This Week

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.



from Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games https://ift.tt/jV6FLt3

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LeBron James' Wife Savannah Consoles Him with a Kiss After Lakers Are Eliminated

-
Image
D Dipasupil/FilmMagic; Arash Markazi - The Sporting Tribune  LeBron James and Savannah James Savannah James greeted her husband LeBron with a sweet kiss after the Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs. In a video shared by reporter Arash Markazi after the Lakers' Game 4 elimination on Wednesday, April 20, Savannah, 38, is seen waiting in the tunnel waiting to greet her husband. After a moment, LeBron, 40, can be seen popping his head out from behind the wall to give Savannah a kiss. Before the Lakers star walked back into the tunnel, likely to do postgame media, he and Savannah locked hands and exchanged some words. The couple, who hail from Akron, Ohio, got  married  in 2013 and have three children together:  LeBron "Bronny" James Jr. , 20, Bryce Maximus , 17, and  Zhuri Nova , 10. LeBron and Bronny James hug Savannah James after their season-ending loss to the Wolves. pic.twitter.com/dKl1Sjp0Tc — Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May...
Read more

Report: Florida basketball to have one of the ‘top basketball NIL budgets in the SEC’

-
The Florida basketball program has flourished under head coach Todd Golden , with his emphasis on leveraging the transfer portal playing a key role in their success. The team finished the season with an incredible 30-4 record and won the SEC Tournament, a testament to Golden's ability to build a winning roster through experienced transfers. Every starter besides Alex Condon was a transfer portal acquisition for Golden and the Gators. Walter Clayton Jr. transferred from Iona, Will Richard came from Belmont, Alijah Martin transferred from Florida Atlantic University and Rueben Chinyelu was a former Washington State Cougar. Florida remains well-positioned to attract top-tier transfers, thanks in large part to its significant financial backing in Name, Image and Likeness deals. According to Joe Tipton, a national basketball reporter for On3, the Gators' NIL budget will be ranked among the highest in the SEC. View this post on Instagram A ...
Read more

Cleveland Guardians sign Tanner Bibee to long-term contract extension

-
Image
Tanner Bibee emerged a central piece to the Guardians’ future last season. He’ll now remain in Cleveland until at least 2029. The Guardians signed the right-hander to a five-year contract extension through the 2029 season that includes a club option for 2030, the club announced Saturday afternoon. Bibee was set to become a free agent after the 2028 season. This extension eats up one and potentially two years of his free agent eligibility. For Bibee, it allows him to receive his first major payday without further injury risk. For the Guardians, it allows them to retain him for an extra season or two by giving him some early financial guarantees. Last year, Bibee took over as the club’s No. 1 starter after Shane Bieber needed Tommy John surgery , Gavin Williams missed most of the season with his own injury issues and Triston McKenzie lost his command to the point of needing to be sent to Triple-A Columbus. Bibee was recently named as the club’s Opening Day starter . This article...
Read more