News Update: Tim Pernetti Send Another Strong Message Following Tahj Ra-E Allegations
A Memphis football player is facing allegations of providing the team’s playbook to an opponent ahead of their matchup last season. However, American Athletic Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti believes the situation is being overhyped.
According to a report from TigerSportsReport, part of the On3 network, ex-Memphis safety Tahj Ra-El allegedly shared parts of the Tigers’ defensive playbook with UTSA prior to their Nov. 2 game, which UTSA went on to win 44-36.
On Thursday, TigerSportsReport published what it claims is a screenshot of a direct message conversation between Ra-El and UTSA quarterback Owen McCown. The messages included a photo that appeared to show a page from the Memphis playbook, with Ra-El reportedly telling McCown, “that’s all the signals.”
Ra-El also seemed to inform McCown that one of Memphis’ players was dealing with an injury.
REPORT: @On3Memphis has obtained direct messages of former Memphis DB Tahj Ra-El sending UTSA QB Owen McCown the Tigers' playbook before their game💀
The Roadrunners won 44-36.https://t.co/h7iD6N0nWj pic.twitter.com/EesFEqzbGG
— On3 (@On3sports) July 24, 2025
In UTSA’s victory over a nationally ranked Memphis team, quarterback Owen McCown threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns.
Former Memphis safety Tahj Ra-El, who reportedly left the program in October, has since transferred to Purdue. While some accounts claimed he departed on his own, TigerSportsReport was informed that Ra-El was actually dismissed from the team.
On Friday, American Athletic Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti addressed the controversy surrounding the alleged playbook leak, saying he believes the situation has been exaggerated.
“We’re aware of the situation and are working with the schools involved, but from what I’ve seen, there isn’t much substance to the story,” Pernetti said. “A lot of it appears to be overblown—and, honestly, some of it seems like clickbait.
American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti on the report of the Memphis playbook being leaked to UTSA: “I think a lot of it has been sensationalized and some of it quite frankly is clickbait” pic.twitter.com/WqX6oWfyxQ
— JJ Perez (@theJJPerez) July 25, 2025
If Ra-El was in fact dismissed from the Memphis program, it wouldn’t be surprising if he held a grudge against the team. That possibility makes it more believable that he could have shared confidential information with an opposing player—particularly if he was no longer part of the Tigers’ roster at the time.
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