A bit of time has passed - enough to give me some perspective on my feelings and opinions, though I'm sure they'll evolve further over time.
First, what am I most saddened by? Is it the perception of Ohio State as a "rogue" program, rife with cheating, boosterism and corruption? No. I'm aware that Buckeye fans are simply a cross-section of America, including both alumni and those who have never set foot on campus (or any other college campus, for that matter). Inevitably there will be a segment of the fan base who will wish to gain access to athletes without concern for NCAA rules (we call them "jock-sniffers," but that is pretty unkind). It's difficult for any program to avoid having such fans commit violations as they seek to ingratiate themselves to athletes, and it's no different here. It's similarly difficult to keep impressionable, sometimes greedy young men from taking advantage of the opportunities posed by such boosters. So to some extent I see NCAA violations IN FACT as being inevitable at a program that strives for excellence on the field. And we've achieved, under Tressel, success on the field like no one could have imagined 10 years ago.
I'm most saddened, then, by the sense that the nation now sees Jim Tressel as a fraud, a cheat, a liar and a hypocrite. That truly shakes me to my bones, as I know Coach Tressel to be a good man; indeed, a better man than almost any I've been familiar with. He hasn't (contrary to the media) claimed to be morally superior to anyone else. What he HAS done is to share with the public, through some excellent writings, lessons he has learned about leadership, excellence, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles. His many successes, including Troy Smith, Maurice Clarett (yes, I count him as a success for Coach), and countless others, will say nothing about him but what a positive influence he has been in their lives.
Yet now America sees Jim Tressel as symptomatic of what is wrong with collegiate athletics. Surely all the NCAA violations are indicative of moral decay! Of course any time violations are uncovered, it is evidence of cheating, unfair advantages, and venality! These are very unfortunate conclusions, because they are so untrue, and because they depreciate the contributions to human growth that coaches like Tressel catalyze in their young charges.
I know beyond any doubt that, even at the most well-meaning of institutions, NCAA violations occur routinely. So routinely that the NCAA would literally be unable to keep track of the count were all of them to be input into some master database. Whether Ohio State football would tally more "per player" than the D1A average is unknown to me, and it's really not particularly important. Bottom line: collegiate sports, and especially its cash cow Big College Football is not pure - nor has it ever been. "Impermissible benefits" have been offered to college football players since the 19th century, though the rules may not always have been in place to recognize them as such. So spare me the moralizing about how we need to have a "zero-tolerance" policy; that's just not feasible at any level of athletics. If you believe otherwise you're hopelessly naive.
Jim Tressel failed at Ohio State for a variety of reasons, and it's clear that for the good of the program he needed to be gone. Bad things happen to good people, and this situation is a perfect example. But know this: I still love and respect this very good man, great coach, great leader of young men. It is worse for the players who would otherwise be able to learn from his guidance that he's been forced to resign. And that is the worst fallout of all from this whole debacle.
Godspeed, Coach Tressel. Many in Buckeye Nation mourn your departure, and I believe all of us wish nothing but the best for you as you find your next challenge.
GO BUCKS!
