WakeyLeaks



WakeyLeaks was a college football scandal involving leaked playbook information from the Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team.

On December 13, 2016, Wake Forest University announced that Tommy Elrod, a former Demon Deacon player and assistant coach, had provided or attempted to provide confidential game preparations to opponents several times starting in 2014. Elrod had been fired from the program prior to the 2014 season, leading many to speculate that revenge was his motivation. However, Elrod has never publicly commented on the matter.

Many were caught in the scandal's fallout. Elrod was fired from the IMG Radio Network and banned from Wake Forest athletics and facilities. The University of Louisville, Virginia Tech, Georgia assistant coach Shane Beamer, and Army defensive coordinator Jay Bateman were all fined $25,000. However, WakeyLeaks has been noted for receiving suprisingly little attention. It has been described as "the scandal that should have rocked college football".

WakeyLeaks has been credited with sparking the program to unprecedented success. Wake Forest changed from being one of the most open programs in the country to being one of the most secure. Offensive coordinator Warren Ruggiero created a new scheme that drastically improved Wake Forest's average points-per-game. By 2021, the program had reached its highest final ranking ever in the AP Poll.