I can see why one might feel that way, but I don't feel bad for him at all. He broke the rules. He encouraged others to do the same. I also get that the transactions that he made seem rather inconsequential in light of the rules today, but I also get that he broke the rules and knew that he was breaking them.
Although he claimed that he was 9 credits short of graduating at one point, I believe that the records will show that he did not even declare a major. So, at the very least, he even wasted the opportunity to set himself up for life after football with a degree.
He could have finished a degree, settled in Columbus and lived off the glory of his time at Ohio State forever. Instead, he chose immediate gratification at the cost of himself and his team. If I recall correctly, even after Tressel called the team together to review NCAA rules, he continued. Seeking to make some outside money, he got his teammates involved. Now, he has convinced others to support his efforts (financially) to hold the NCAA and University accountable in the hopes of a big payday.
I really thought highly of this guy on the field but now, I can only see him as a corrosive, selfish oaf.