While I appreciate Herbstreit's comments, which I did not hear, I do not expect an apology from him. ESPiN has decided that this is a story that is in their interest to run. They believe that because they think it will have a positive effect on their bottom line. This is about ESPiN editorial policy, not Herbstreit. The baseless allegations, etc, I need not go back there. But, this was obscene. It's not even about Alberts and May going over the line badly.
Many previous posters made very good points. As I read the thread, it seems some people are asking "why hold Herbstreit to a standard other than that to which we hold any sportscaster, just because he played at OSU"? Some people appear to be answering,"because that local gig is really quite good for Herbstreit and he used his OSU connections to put himself in the place he now resides". Are we are too close to Herbstreit to realize that he has become a national celebrity sportscaster? Is it in our interest to have someone who loves OSU in that position?
In my opinion, Herbstreit is entitled to his opinions about OSU football, Jim Tressel, our offense, whatever. He is a paid commentator and is paid to express his opinions. So are Alberts and May. However, a line is crossed when a series of lies and half-truths are used to smear a University and the individuals that work there. To my knowledge, Herbstreit has not participated in that.
So, I have some difficulty understanding what Herbstreit is apologizing for, really. He will not advance his career by being part of a Mutt and Jeff team at ESPiN and I accept his bona fides. He is a Buckeye, in my opinion, but I understand why so many on BP are disappointed in him not coming out in defense of OSU more. Is this his way of saying, "You may not think so, but I do have your backs guys!"? Or is he saying, "Listen, Andy, I'm sorry." Or is he just reading from a script? I don't know and I don't care. What I do know is that it is is up to ESPiN and the individuals that have been directly involved to apologize to Ohio State, to Andy Geiger, Jim Tressel, the team, the University and its supporters.
Whatever we may think, it seems wise to put ourselves in Herbstreit's shoes if we want to understand his actions. What if he defended OSU and then dirt does come out? That would kill his career. Would that misguided loyalty to OSU have been worth $5-10 million to him over the next decade? Is it fair to ask him to roll those dice just so we can all feel better?
On the other hand, integrity is not something one can buy and we all have to look in the mirror in the morning. My guess is that Herbstreit is about as stressed out about all this as Geiger is. He is well and truly stuck in the middle. He must show independence and yet remain loyal. Tough stuff to do and I think he has done a pretty good job of it so far, given the cards he has been dealt.
As regards an apology, if another hundred boosters emerged from the woodwork this would still be inconsequential to the reasons why an ESPiN apology is needed. This is about reporting that Ohio State is guilty of problems on the basis of hearsay by people with questionable motives and on virtually no evidence. The apology isn't whether ESPiN was right or wrong, it is about the allegations they have made and the way they have defamed and slandered OSU without cause.
I like Kirk Herbstreit. I do not expect him to defend us but rather to remind viewers that an NCAA investigation requested by Ohio State is underway after allegations by Maurice Clarett, who was himself guilty of violations and expelled from the team, that only one minor infraction by an individual has been found so far and that was reported by Ohio State, and that all judgement should be withheld until the investigation is complete.
A comment such as this does not threaten Herbstreit's job in any way. It used to just be called "good journalism".
