Jim Tressel Forced To Take Tough Medicine

by Chip Minnich on Mar 8, 2011 10:03 PM EST

Watching The Big Ten Network's coverage tonight of Jim Tressel's suspension, it was visibly evident to me how distraught and distressed Coach Tressel was at that press conference. For a man who prides himself on maintaining an even keel, I have to confess that Coach Tressel's facial expressions demonstrated a man tremendously fatigued, both physically and emotionally.

Despite being a huge Coach Tressel fan, I am not going to suggest that what Coach Tressel did was right. Quite honestly, nobody, with the exception of those privy to the sensitive information associated to this NCAA investigation, can accurately describe what the correct course of action was with regards to the e-mails Coach Tressel received last spring and did not report. I truly believe Coach Tressel made a decision that he felt was in the best interest of the players involved.

I will suggest that Coach Tressel visibly demonstrated to me, and I am presuming other Ohio State fans, a true sense of remorse and regret during the course of the press conference. And I am anxious to see going forward how this will affect Coach Tressel in not only the 2011 season, but beyond.

While Ohio State has suspended Coach Tressel for the first two games of the 2011 season, fined him $250,000, required attendance at a compliance seminar as well as a public reprimand of him, it is entirely possible the NCAA is not done with Ohio State. Make no mistake about Gene Smith's complimentary tones at the onset of the press conference towards the NCAA - those were classic examples of someone throwing themselves at the mercy of the judge.

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated that "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniences, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." It will be interesting to see how Coach Tressel, as well as the collective Ohio State community, stand going forward into the 2011 college football season.

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Make no mistake about Gene Smith’s complimentary tones at the onset of the press conference towards the NCAA – those were classic examples of someone throwing themselves at the mercy of the judge.

This is no doubt true, but there’s a reason Ohio State self-reported this and recommended punitive damages immediately. They are ahead of the NCAA curve and are attempting to dissuade the NCAA from adding any punishment. We shall see how it turns out.

by Tyler T. on Mar 9, 2011 12:23 AM EST reply actions

If it stands this is really a slap on the wrist…fining him and suspending him for essentially 2 ‘scrimmage’ games. I actually think the NCAA will look ‘favorably’ on Tressel allowing his players to play in the bowl game in regards to any additional punishment. Of course he wanted too, but no doubt there was definitely huge pressure from the bowl committee as well. I think that plays a factor.

by johnnyphoenix on Mar 9, 2011 8:40 AM EST up reply actions

There was a major problem with tonight’s press conference, and the problem was that Tressel never apologized or said he was sorry. If one of his punishments is to provide a public apology, last night was a great opportunity that he didn’t take. Based on the press conference, I would actually take the opposite position and say that he did not show remorse for his actions.

Ann Arbor is a trollop.

by Semicorrect on Mar 9, 2011 1:46 AM EST reply actions

This statement was copy pasted from the article posted directly before this one.

Jim Tressel’s Official Statement: “I am sorry and disappointed this happened. At the time the situation occurred, I thought I was doing the right thing. I understand my responsibility to represent Ohio State and the game of football. I apologize to any and all of the people I have let down. I will grow from this experience.”

by Cry on Mar 9, 2011 3:13 AM EST up reply actions

There seems to be one

glaring thing that everyone is dancing around…why were there not better instructions to the players regarding NCAA rules and regulation? Why did these players think it was okay to sell memorabilia in the first place?

I really admire Jim Tressel. But it seems to me that that player instruction in this matter needs to be shored up. And that falls on the head coach, no matter who he assigns it to.

They're 18 to 22...how perfect were you at that age?
The Power of Red begins with the Passion of Walk-Ons.

by redvalley on Mar 9, 2011 3:27 AM EST reply actions

After the fact

One of the mitigating factors in the NCAA’s eyes to the player suspensions was they did not receive the education until after they had sold their stuff.

by rogerja on Mar 9, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

Have you ever perused an NCAA rulebook? There are thousands— and that’s no exaggeration— of rules that compliance must go over with players. Now, it’s obvious that they should have more forcefully instructed the players regarding reselling their own property, but that’s in hindsight, and that’s always easier than in reality. Boosters and agents are the two big focuses for any compliance department in college football. They will always receive the most time in meetings and pamphlets.

by Tyler T. on Mar 9, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

It’s NEVER the thing itself…it’s the coverup that ALWAYS seems to end up worse.

by johnnyphoenix on Mar 9, 2011 8:38 AM EST reply actions

Completely agree

One thing I will suspect will happen going forward…if Coach Tressel, or any of the assistants hear about rumors or innuendos involving players, everything will be reported to compliance, no matter how large or small. I am guessing the graduate assistants will all be given these extra assignments.

by Chip Minnich on Mar 9, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions

Good thing, for what it’s worth. Let’s just say I’m done with this already and very ready for the Braxton Miller era to begin.

by johnnyphoenix on Mar 9, 2011 2:36 PM EST reply actions

reply fail…meant for Chip.

by johnnyphoenix on Mar 9, 2011 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with you. As talented as Terrelle Pryor is, there just seems to be a black cloud that is hovering over him and those around him.

by Chip Minnich on Mar 9, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

I think that’s an unfair accusation to make. Terrelle Pryor is responsible for three victories over Michigan, three at least partial Big Ten championships, and two BCS bowl victories. His era has been an incredibly successful one.

by Tyler T. on Mar 9, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

Let me clarify the black cloud comment

When I say a black cloud, I am referring to the fact that there just seems to be continual challenges. Yes, he is talented, but many of the events (the eye black incident a couple years ago with Vick, the Miami Heat t-shirt at the bowl game, the tattoo scandal, etc) just seem to envelop Pryor and the program.

by Chip Minnich on Mar 9, 2011 5:02 PM EST up reply actions

The tattoo scandal is the only one that hurts, really. The Vick and Miami Heat thing are minor annoyances from a kid trying to honor his heroes.

I understand the anger towards him, but I think a lot of it is misplaced. He screwed up, but he’s also been responsible for a number of great moments for fans. He didn’t take money from a booster (as did Troy Smith) and has not been in contact with agents. His crimes are not commensurate with the hate spewed towards him (I know you don’t hate him; I am speaking more to certain sections of the fanbase.)

by Tyler T. on Mar 9, 2011 5:21 PM EST up reply actions

Agree completely with you

I do not hate him. I have immense respect for his athletic talents and what he has accomplished on the field.

I merely think there are some stigmas to him, fair or unfair. You are right – the Heat t-shirt, the Vick eye black, are small annoyances.

When Tyler Moeller said when he first met Pryor that he thought he was a “punk” (his words), when Pryor and Kirk Herbstreit engaged in Internet sparring, etc, then all of the tattoo stuff…it just seems like there is always something.

I believe you and I are on the same page on this, merely stating it differently.

by Chip Minnich on Mar 9, 2011 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

I’m already ready to move on from it too, but it won’t be going away until mid season when all the players have returned as well.

by emily522 on Mar 9, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

This story will go away quicker than you think. The effects will be felt next season, but the story will be old by next week.

by Tyler T. on Mar 9, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

True.

by emily522 on Mar 9, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

Politely disagree

The story will continue to be dredged up by the national media. Remember how they kept stoking the fires about Maurice Clarett?

Until the NCAA officially concludes this investigation, I have a feeling this will be in the news. I hope I am wrong.

by Chip Minnich on Mar 9, 2011 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

Maurice Clarett’s continual allegations and actions were responsible for the story’s lifespan. In order to promote himself, he made the false police report, the false cheating allegations, and the failed attempt to gain early entry into the NFL. Maurice was a whirling dervish of activity for a a few years, culminating in his arrest and incarceration.

I just don’t see this story having the same pull for the media. It will be hot for a week and then disappear, as johnnyphoenix said, until the NCAA makes its ruling. It will be painful again, but then it will pass.

by Tyler T. on Mar 9, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

Let's hope so

Ohio State’s 2011 team was already facing challenges, with graduation losses. Throw in the tattoo scandal for five games, now the Tressel situation, and it just seems as though the entire program cannot wait for the season to start, just so they can focus towards on-field activities.

by Chip Minnich on Mar 9, 2011 6:51 PM EST up reply actions