Shocking $700K Tampering Accusation on Dan Lanning Forces Oregon Insider to Break Silence

Beneath the sheen and glitter that layers CFB is a dark reality. Unfortunately, the sport is almost synonymous with inequality. The advent of NIL and the transfer portal has only made the discrepancy more prominent. Players have almost free will to leave programs, leaving them stranded. Add to that, schools towards the top of the food chain, say Oregon, can essentially lure talent away from the bottom-feeders, like Boise State, using their NIL arsenal. Talent which was nurtured and developed by the latter, but shall prosper for the already prosperous. Ducks’ HC Dan Lanning has found himself in the midst of a similar ordeal.

Although you can prefer to ignore it, you have to acknowledge one thing. Tampering is very prevalent across the landscape. It’s so prevalent that it has almost become the norm. Even those that abuse the malpractice lament it but can’t stop in order to stay competitive. One instance of Dan Lanning and his Oregon team allegedly indulging in the act has come to light. Dirk Koetter, former OC turning analyst at Boise State, is pleading as the witness.

Boise State’s loss in the Fiesta Bowl to Penn State spelled the end of their season. Even though the transfer portal officially closed for intakes on Dec 28, players on teams that had games past that cut-off are afforded 5 extra days after their season finishes. Hence, Broncos players had time to mull over the decision. Dirk Koetter alleges Dan Lanning, or someone from his staff, broke the rules and sanctity. He says a player was contacted right after the final whistle blew.

NEW: Outgoing Boise State OC Dirk Koetter claims Oregon tampered with players after the Fiesta Bowl

“I know for a fact that just last week, after the Fiesta Bowl, one of the key starters on defense got a call from the Oregon Ducks offering him $700k.”

(via @KTIK_953FM)… pic.twitter.com/qnVf3GAbCY

— On3 (@On3sports) January 9, 2025

In an interview with KTIK Idaho Sports Talk, Koetter said, “I know for a fact that just last week- after the Fiesta Bowl- one of the key starters on defense got a call from the Oregon Ducks. Offering him $700,000,” That is a massive accusation to make, and the player remains unnamed. The problem is that this appeal will likely fall on deaf ears. If there’s a loophole to be exposed or an edge to gain. Best believe CFB coaches and programs will go out of their way to do it. The cut-throat nature of the sport doesn’t afford people like Dan Lanning the chance to stand on ceremony.

Some of the biggest names in the coaching realm, including Nick Saban and Deion Sanders, have been accused of tampering in the past. People have been reprimanded as well, with former ASU assistant coach Antonio Pierce penalised over tampering with a player enrolled at a different school. Yes, the same guy who just got fired by the Raiders. In light of these accusations against Lanning and his staff, an Oregon fan/insider has spoken out. He’s not even denying the allegations but is keeping it a buck.

Dan Lanning not quite let off the hook, even by his own proponent

Addressing the matter on the “Locked on Ducks (Oregon)” YouTube Channel, Spencer McLaughlin was livid. “What does tampering actually mean?” he asked. “You tell me because, my gosh, it’s such a blanket catch-all term for anything that is shady or against the rules,” He doesn’t just think the word and subsequent allegations are thrown around loosely. McLaughlin proceeded to address the elephant in the room, the harsh reality.

“There are a couple reasons that this is completely and utterly ridiculous. The first reason is that tampering is so widespread, nobody should care. I guarantee you, Oregon players have been tampered with before,” he remarked. McLaughlin made a very interesting point about how the authorities actually facilitate tampering if you think about it.

“Players are tampered with all the time…when a player goes into the transfer portal and enters with a “Do Not Contact” tag, do you think the first time he will be in touch with another school is once he’s officially signed all of the paperwork and put his name officially In the portal?” That’s some food for thought right there. It’s pretty obvious what’s happening.

Dirk Koetter’s allegations are probably true. Dan Lanning perhaps bent the rules and contacted a Broncos player. What’s also true is that he’s not the only one. Until there is equal and unilateral punishment for every case of tampering, Lanning cannot be indicted. It wouldn’t be fair. Perhaps this is why coaches are coming together to introduce a CFB commissioner’s capacity going forward. Until some sort of legislative changes are made, the sad reality is that big programs will continue to flex their muscles where possible. Morals and ethics are partisan values to hold in a results business, which CFB now is.

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