In a shocking revelation that’s sending ripples through the college football media and recruiting world, On3 CEO Shannon Terry has come forward with strong allegations against former employee Grant Frerking. Terry claims that Frerking, who was quietly involved with the Tennessee Volunteers football program, deliberately misled the company about his affiliations—violating the trust of the rapidly growing sports media platform.
The Bombshell: “He Lied to Us”
During a recent public statement, Shannon Terry did not mince words. “We had no knowledge of Grant Frerking’s involvement with Tennessee,” he stated. “He lied to us. It was a complete breach of trust.”
Frerking, a former NIL consultant and wide receiver with Tennessee, reportedly maintained an undisclosed role with the Volunteers program while still employed by On3. According to Terry, this dual association was never disclosed and potentially presented major conflicts of interest given On3’s role in the college athletics media landscape—especially as it pertains to recruitment, NIL, and program analysis.
Why This Matters in the World of College Football and Media
The controversy doesn’t just involve one employee’s failure to disclose affiliations—it shines a spotlight on how intertwined and ethically fragile the relationship between college athletic programs and media platforms can be. On3 has built a reputation as one of the premier sources of recruiting news, NIL analysis, and college football insider information. With that comes a responsibility for transparency and impartiality.
If an employee with insider access is simultaneously influencing or participating in a program’s operations, it could taint the perceived objectivity of On3’s reporting. Terry’s decisive public stance appears to be an attempt to reaffirm On3’s credibility in the wake of this internal breach.
What We Know About Frerking’s Involvement with Tennessee
Grant Frerking was known for his NIL consulting experience and had even spoken at national events regarding name, image, and likeness strategies. While his connections to Tennessee were not entirely a secret in football circles, the extent of his active role with the program while working at On3 had not been publicly acknowledged—until now.
According to sources, Frerking may have been helping Tennessee in an advisory capacity or even directly aiding in NIL strategy or recruiting conversations, a direct conflict with his role at a company reporting on those very topics.
On3’s Response: Swift and Clear
Shannon Terry, no stranger to the media spotlight and having founded successful outlets like Rivals and 247Sports before On3, took immediate steps to distance the company from the scandal. He reiterated that transparency and integrity remain core values at On3 and emphasized that the company had severed ties with Frerking once the undisclosed involvement was uncovered.
“We’ve built this brand on trust, and that can’t exist without honesty from within,” Terry said. “This was a direct violation of our expectations and ethics.”
The Fallout and Industry Reactions
College football insiders and rival media platforms are already speculating about potential ramifications. Will this affect On3’s relationships with athletic departments? Could it prompt other media companies to re-evaluate their internal disclosure policies regarding employees’ affiliations?
For Tennessee, the revelation might also draw unwanted attention. While no NCAA violations have been alleged, the optics of a media employee secretly aiding a football program could raise questions about the ethical boundaries between programs and press.
Final Thoughts
This incident is more than just an HR issue—it’s a wake-up call for the college football media industry. As NIL and recruiting coverage becomes more influential, the importance of transparency, ethics, and accountability cannot be overstated.
On3 appears committed to preserving its integrity. Still, this scandal highlights how easy it can be for personal allegiances to conflict with professional responsibilities—and the importance of leadership in navigating the fallout.
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