Maybe this message from VLMarti on BN will calm us down.
VLMarti
Millennium Club
Posts: 1223
(12/20/04 8:45:09 pm)
Reply Recruiting, standards, expectations and the latest on Smith We now enter a strange season. For weeks to come, we must endure the endless nonsense that is associated with the transgressions of a young man who plays football at OSU.
While I would rather that this matter pass with a minimum of public comment, I realize that it is impossible to ignore the obvious: the most dedicated and rabid of Buckeye fans will focus on this matter to the exclusion of all else.
So be it. A record setting QB claws a starting job away from the heir appearant and proceeds to slay the Furry Striped monster on his first attempt. Stuff of dreams and legends.
Those dreams are dashed in the eyes of some of the fanatics due to an indiscretion that is largely undisclosed. Once again, a tragic incident will be perversely distorted out of proportion with reality.
As we enter this Smith imposed Silly Season, I offer a primer to help my fellow Bucks with the avalanche of posts that we will have to endure.
1- Tressel Recruits Are Inferior
I have four children, two who are currently teenagers and one who just emerged from that transition. Kids. And kids make mistakes. Anyone who is the parent of a teenager can attest to this.
No matter how hard Tressel and company vet their respective recruits, at the end of the day, they are still kids. They will make mistakes. It is the nature of the beast.
JT's recruits have already distinguished themselves on the field and in the classroom. He does not need to make any excuses or apologies for the vagaries of human nature, especially since his charges live their lives in a fish bowl.
Remember this point the next time a salivating poster hyperventilates over a man-child with a 4.2 40 that Coach Tressel takes a pass on. He takes his job seriously and executes his judgement well.
Kids are still kids.
2- This Smith Episode Will Hurt Recruiting
The only potential recruit that may be marginally and negatively affected would be any young man who would construe Coach Tressel's actions as too harsh. In the end, any potential recruit who felt that way probably should not choose to come to OSU.
Quality candidates want a coach who is tough, firm and fair. It is all about respect.
3- Why Doesn't Geiger and Tressel Tell Us All Of The Details?
This question falls in the "Read my lips" category of absurdity: BECAUSE THEY CAN'T!
Federal privacy laws, school policy and NCAA regulations prevent Geiger and Tressel from saying virtually anything of substance- even if they wanted to. Complain if you wish, but the rules are the rules. Grades, medical condition and eligibility are private and protected matters.
If you don't like the federal statutes, write your congressman. If you are upset with OSU policies, address your missive to Madam Holbrook. If you wish to modify the NCAA regulations you better have a hot line to St. Peter or a real good relationship with Devil, because they really do not care what the rank and file think!
4- Tressel's Program Is In Meltdown
As Corso would say "Not so fast my friend!" JT administers the team like a family. That is not simply a trite and shop worn commentary- it is the truth.
One of the family members has broken a rule and he must suffer a "time out". Still loved, still cared for, but subject to punishment.
Notice how OSU was ahead of the press and the Internet (even my beloved fellow Bucknut junkies!) on this issue? Geiger and Tressel self-report to the NCAA early and with impunity. It is the only way to handle these type of situations in this crazy 24/7 Internet driven age.
Other coaches, even in today's climate, would think twice about suspending the starting quarterback immediately before a Bowl game. Look at the decision Kansas State made last year in the Fiesta Bowl.
The temptation to simply say "Well, nobody knows about this, let's simply let it lay low until after the Bowl game" is incredibly strong.
But not for Geiger and Tressel.
5- This News Will Be Devasting For The Team
Only if we let it.
Probably the single negative aspect of team discipline that affects our young men is the thought that a fellow player intentionaly betrayed them. This is the ultimate sin.
But a real close second is the endless string of questions that the boys are going to hear for the next 9 days:
"How do you feel?"
"Are you angry with Smith?"
"Does this impact your concentration?"
"What is the mood of the team?"
"Will Smith be able to redeem himself?"
"Can you possibly beat Oklahoma State without Smith?"
For the foreign lurkers on this site- Michigan rodents, USC gadflies, Miami sore losers and assorted MAC wannabees, you will obviously enjoy having sport with the Bucks for the next week and while you can. Paybacks are hell!
For my fellow Buck fans- practice what you preach. Rally behind Zwick, let Smith suffer his punishment with quiet dignity, and cheer the boys on to victory.
On a personal note, I have the pleasure of knowing Troy Smith for the past three years and I can state, without hesitation, that he is a fine upstanding young man. Late to OSU as a last add after the Richards Washington flame out, he has been humble, polite and hard working. He is a team player who is, no doubt, harder on himself right now than any figure in authority could possibly be. He will survive this appearant error in judgement and will find a way to rise above it.
GO BUCKS!
