Jim Tressel deserves much more than a slap on the wrist for his neglect. He only received a two game suspension (Akron & Toledo) and a fine from Ohio State for withholding information of possible violations by players. The current punishment is a mere publicity stunt by Gene Smith, OSU Athletic Director, to give the appearance that coach Tressel has been disciplined.
At least that's the only conclusion that makes any sense. The punishment is so weak it is almost an insult to college football. Five Ohio State players including star quarterback Terrell Pryor have already received five game suspensions for the 2011 season for receiving improper benefits. The same improper benefits that Tressel did not disclose the full truth about when asked multiple times. He failed to report emails that notified him before the season of players possibly participating in bad behavior that could result in NCAA violations.
Coach Tressel knew all along during the 2010 season that there was a strong possibility some of his players committed infractions. However, he decided to either lie or withhold information when asked about it by officials. Dez Bryant, former Oklahoma State wide receiver, became ineligible to play the rest of the season in 2009 after only playing three games for basically lying to the NCAA. There has clearly been a recent precedent for sitting players for more games. Will the NCAA step in and increase the two game suspension of a big time coach?
As in the words of Jim Tressel, “the most pathetic thing is a leader looking for self-pity.” The NCAA should also not look for pity. A five game suspension would seem more publicly acceptable and deter other coaches from withholding information. College football needs more than publicity stunts
At least that's the only conclusion that makes any sense. The punishment is so weak it is almost an insult to college football. Five Ohio State players including star quarterback Terrell Pryor have already received five game suspensions for the 2011 season for receiving improper benefits. The same improper benefits that Tressel did not disclose the full truth about when asked multiple times. He failed to report emails that notified him before the season of players possibly participating in bad behavior that could result in NCAA violations.
Coach Tressel knew all along during the 2010 season that there was a strong possibility some of his players committed infractions. However, he decided to either lie or withhold information when asked about it by officials. Dez Bryant, former Oklahoma State wide receiver, became ineligible to play the rest of the season in 2009 after only playing three games for basically lying to the NCAA. There has clearly been a recent precedent for sitting players for more games. Will the NCAA step in and increase the two game suspension of a big time coach?
As in the words of Jim Tressel, “the most pathetic thing is a leader looking for self-pity.” The NCAA should also not look for pity. A five game suspension would seem more publicly acceptable and deter other coaches from withholding information. College football needs more than publicity stunts
RSS Feed
