'07 MD LB Pat Lazear (West Virginia signee)

[MaxBuck]

It's ironic that opposing views are now called specualtion, not discussion. Trying to micromanage opinions on a message board is like giving speeding tickets at the Indy 500. It its' not "appropriate" to discuss a topic, then a message board or forum fails at it's intended purpose. When it gets to the point were fans can't question the coaching staff or the University, there is a bigger problem than Mr Lazear's conduct. There is no bigger supporter of Jim Tressel or OSU than myself, HOWEVER, I wouldn't blindly accept, "any decision whatever it may be". In this instance, the toothpaste is already out of the tube and damage to OSU has already been done. I hope they can stop the bleeding now and not have to endure months of articles that portray OSU in a negative light.

I understand the pain that many Buckeye fans feel over recent negative publicity (did I hear the name "Clarett" in the background?). So I'm not about to slam fellow Buckeye fans (the word "inappropriate" could very well be applied to lots of my posts here). However, I think it's improper to refuse to consider a young man who may well have been wrongly accused, simply for the reason that somebody has accused him of something.

I'm grateful for the fact I've grown a thick enough skin to feel like the opinions of a bunch of mouth-breathing Michigan (or whatever) fans mean very little to me these days. Maybe I can thank guys like Reggie Germany and Mo C for that. Though it seems like Reggie has now got himself turned around a bit.

 

[OSU SPORTS]

Yeah, I guess that you are right - it's far better to whine about this situation than simply to ignore it....

Interesting dynamic at work, ignore the problem and it will be just go away. Constructive discussion is now a "whine" or "inappropriate". Classic Animal House logic.

 

[LordJeffBuck]

Interesting dynamic at work, ignore the problem and it will be just go away. Constructive discussion is now a "whine" or "inappropriate". Classic Animal House logic.

Look, BP is a great place, it really is. But unfortunately, we have very little sway over the Ohio State football program. Honestly, JT probably doesn't even know that we are having this "discussion" right now. So, may I suggest that, instead of continuing to beat a dead horse over here, you get on your word processor and type a letter to Coach Tressel demanding that "OSU has to walk away from this guy, it's that simple." You should send a copy of your missive to Gene Smith, Karen Holbrook, the Trustees of The Ohio State University, and Governor Taft just to make sure that everyone in the chain of command gets your "point". Good luck, and let us know what happens.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

I have already added my 2 cents, but I want to add a little more.


#1 We may or may not be recruiting him, who really knows the truth besides Pat or the coaches. So he may want to come here, but who actually says there is an offer on the table. Contact probably, offer who knows.

#2 The situation isnt even resolved yet. I will bring up one prime example. If everyone remembers AI in high school, he was involved in some big blowup type thing at a bowling alley and took the fall, when in reality he was innocent. It wasnt until the mayor/govenor on his last day of office let him walk. B4 the incident he had offers from all major programs for football and basketball. After all that he had basically one left. Maybe AI isnt the best example b/c people have their perception of him and most will continue to think once a bad egg always a bad egg, even if the kid turns it around. This could be exactally why the staff is staying in touch and kind of trying to get a feel for the situation.

#3 As for the report, I think they need to wait and get all the facts from all sides of the story, I mean at least get a I do not want to comment on the situation b4 running it. Instead they say the person was not available for comment, which in reality they could of called and waited till they got no answer, left a message and ran the story.

#4 And as for the negative(non factual/hearsay) press not hurting us, just look at the Rico McCoy situation.

#5 I know we as people on a message board can't really do anything about it, but we can have our opinions.

 

[OSU SPORTS]

Look, BP is a great place, it really is. But unfortunately, we have very little sway over the Ohio State football program. Honestly, JT probably doesn't even know that we are having this "discussion" right now. So, may I suggest that, instead of continuing to beat a dead horse over here, you get on your word processor and type a letter to Coach Tressel demanding that "OSU has to walk away from this guy, it's that simple." You should send a copy of your missive to Gene Smith, Karen Holbrook, the Trustees of The Ohio State University, and Governor Taft just to make sure that everyone in the chain of command gets your "point". Good luck, and let us know what happens.

Your lordship, you will be the first one I contact. Thanks again for making another buckeye fan feel "welcome". Your sage advice and stimulating posts are an inspiration to all posters. While some may consider you condescending, I see real genius. Good night Lord Jeff.

 

[NFBuck]

Your lordship, you will be the first one I contact. Thanks again for making another buckeye fan feel "welcome". Your sage advice and stimulating posts are an inspiration to all posters. While some may consider you condescending, I see real genius. Good night Lord Jeff.

I don't think he's being at all unneceaarily harsh or unwelcoming towards you. Read the rules of the recruiting forum.

 

[osugrad21]

Gee, what do you know...some of us actually know what we are talking about...


USAToday

Ohio State clarifies involvement with prospect<!--startclickprintexclude--> <table style="float: left;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td>

</td></tr></tbody> </table> <!--startclickprintinclude--> <!-- EdSysObj ID="SandboxLede" FRAGMENTID="13720977" sleahy --> <script type="text/javascript">swapContent('firstHeader','applyHeader');</script><!--endclickprintexclude--> From wire reports


The Ohio State athletic department issued a statement Thursday with regard to a controversial high school prospect at Wheaton (Md.). High School in the Washington, D.C., suburbs: "Ohio State University does not bring in for an official visit or sign any recruit who either has a pending felony charge or who has been convicted of a felony."
The school would not attach the names of either athletics director Gene Smith or coach Jim Tressel.
Pat Lazear, a highly touted running back/linebacker, faces a Nov. 29 trial on armed robbery charges.
He was quoted last week in The Washington Post as saying he is still receiving text messages from coaches at Ohio State and Alabama and that he plans a recruiting trip to Ohio State in October, though he needed special permission from a judge to travel.
He is wearing a monitoring device. The Post said he likely will choose between OSU and Alabama.

 

[OSU SPORTS]

That is exactly what I wanted them to do! Good job and GO BUCKS!!!

 

[BayBuck]

I'm dismayed at how many people are more concerned with the "perception of the program" than with fairness toward a young man who has not been found guilty of anything.

...except for that previous use of a stolen credit card to buy sneakers. OSU made the right decision in distancing themselves from this recruit.

 

[madvillebuck]

That article doesn't keep him from visiting on his own dime. Nor does it deny the possibility of recruiting a student athlete caught up in legal issues. One thing, if he does get permission from the judge and does come here on an unofficial, we'll know that OSU is interested. I wonder if he's fortunate enough to get his charges reduced to a misdemeanor or dropped would the OSU staff extend him an offer?

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

That article doesn't keep him from visiting on his own dime. Nor does it deny the possibility of recruiting a student athlete caught up in legal issues. One thing, if he does get permission from the judge and does come here on an unofficial, we'll know that OSU is interested. I wonder if he's fortunate enough to get his charges reduced to a misdemeanor or dropped would the OSU staff extend him an offer?

 

[OH10]

That article doesn't keep him from visiting on his own dime. Nor does it deny the possibility of recruiting a student athlete caught up in legal issues. One thing, if he does get permission from the judge and does come here on an unofficial, we'll know that OSU is interested. I wonder if he's fortunate enough to get his charges reduced to a misdemeanor or dropped would the OSU staff extend him an offer?

They can't refer to an individual recruit. They can only issue a statement of policy, and I believe they did that very clearly. It doesn't shut the door on the recruitment of Lazear. It more than likely lends credence that there are severe strings attached if this kid wants to come to Ohio State - meaning that he would need to be acquited of the charge.

 

[DaBuckMD]

Honestly I think this is one of those things where the writer didnt do enough homework and just ran with the story. Never seen that happen before.:!

That assumes journalists and the media have the intent of reporting true representations of a story. Media is all about pushing their agendas or personal opinions versus accuracy. They simply craft a story around their opinions, include 'facts' to support their view point of the ideal, and add a little controversy to spice it up. The process is inherently biased and they mention large targets (as LJB outlined) to ensure their viewpoint is heard by a larger audience.

Ultimately, the article is not about OSU's recruiting tactics, it's pushing the authors viewpoint that ALL college athletics overlooks academics and character for the sake of winning. Essentially college athletics is at odds with the purpose of the academic institution. The author name drops OSU and Alabama to make it a stirring national debate.

Finally, I really do not agree these types of articles damage perceptions. OSU, ND, Michigan, FSU, etc are already seen as football factories acting under the guise of an academic institution. Quite frankly, I agree and could care less. All it leads to is crap from opposing fans who miss the point of the article and use it to slam another football program, as if they are any different.

By the way, the purpose of my response is not to challenge cbf40, it's to push my opinion that the media is completely biased and could careless about accurate reporting. They are hyporcrites, working under the guise of factual story telling. It all belongs in the fiction section.

 

[ysubuck]

"Ohio State University does not bring in for an official visit or sign any recruit who either has a pending felony charge or who has been convicted of a felony

."

Wow. That about says it all. Loud and clear.

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

."

Wow. That about says it all. Loud and clear.

you would think that, but....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14838899/site/newsweek/