ESPN has issued a statement in regard to Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds being removed as a candidate for its online Nissan Fan Vote despite leading in votes.
No, ESPN’s website isn’t robbing Navy’s quarterback of a Heisman chance
The online poll’s curious behavior has an explanation, and it doesn’t impact the actual Heisman race enough to matter anyway.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
“Keenan Reynolds has not been removed and still leads the Nissan Fan Vote leaderboard. However, as noted above the fan voting site, the Heisman candidates featured on the page are fed through ESPN’s Heisman Watch – a weekly editorial poll of several college football experts. As the poll adjusts throughout the season, it is reflected in the candidates represented on the voting page.”
On Wednesday, Navy fans and Navy itself noticed the removal:
. @Nissan is asking fans to vote for the @HeismanTrophy winner, but took down the leading vote getter: https://t.co/cwE4ZCLKGw
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) December 1, 2015 The poll results do impact the Heisman race. The results will count as one of the 929 ballots, otherwise including former winners and media members. SB Nation editorial director Spencer Hall is among the voters.
It is still possible to vote for Reynolds by manually entering his name. Since the removal of Reynolds’ name on the poll page, Navy fans have started a #writeinKeenan campaign across social media.
Reynolds, the FBS’s career rushing touchdowns leader, was named AAC Player of the Year, having rushed for 1,093 yards and 19 touchdowns plus 964 yards passing and six touchdowns. Navy will close its regular season against Army Dec. 12.
Bovada’s current Heisman odds do not feature Reynolds. According to OddsShark, his name was removed from the board after last weekend’s loss to Houston. Alabama running back Derrick Henry is listed as the favorite.
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