The sad, tragic reality of JT's legacy:
You see that church over there? I built it with my own hands so families would have a place to worship. But do you think they call me "Jim the Church Builder"? Nope. They don't call me that.
Never once.
See that orphanage over there? I built that too...even cut down all the trees around my own house to get the wood. Took me two years and all of my life's savings...but now the orphans have a place to live. Do you think they call me "Jim the Provider"? Nope.
No one calls me that or seems to appreciate what I built, or even remembers that I am the one that sacrificed to make it happen.
See that dock? The one whereby all the food and wares come and go from town? That dock allowed our town to thrive and saved all of the farmers from defaulting on their bank notes. I won the lottery a few years ago and used every cent to get that dock built. You think they call me Jim the Generous?
Nope.
See those two kids over on the corner? A few years ago they were in real trouble with the law and in school. But I looked past that when no one else would. I stood by them, mentored them into understanding their mistakes and why they were meant to be better. I led them to understand what they could do to better the world and themselves. Now do you know what they do? They stand on that corner every Saturday morning in front of the Johnson house waiting to see what the old Johnson couple might need help with. The Johnsons are just too old to manage the house and can no longer drive...and they have no family in town to help them out. So those two boys spend every Saturday waiting for Mrs. Johnson to walk out on the porch to get the paper..at which time they ask her if there is anything they can help her with..errands, mow the lawn, pick up meds or groceries for them...anything. But do you think people around here call me Jim the Teacher, or Jim the Caring? Naah.
But if you [censored] just one goat......
The good Jim has done is ever so much more significant and telling of Jim Tressel than this singular and sad saga. No doubt many will recall the 'scandalous JT that was forced to resign' rather than the man of immense character and the wonderful teacher that he truly is.
BUT..we know better...and personally I am far more concerned with my own perception than everyone else's. So to hell with the judgement of those that don't know..and didn't bother to ask somebody before writing him off.
I still love you coach...thanks...thanks for everything.