Dr. Mark A. Emmert
President
National Collegiate Athletic Association
700 W. Washington Street
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6222
Dear Dr. Emmert:
As former football players and proud alumni of The Ohio State University, we have watched the recent issues surrounding the Buckeye football program with great concern and disappointment. Having played a game from which one learns so many life lessons, we readily acknowledge that actions have consequences and that when players make mistakes, on or off the field, there is a price to be paid and responsibilities to be accepted.
When we learned last week of the additional game suspensions leveled against certain players, however, we were not only surprised but, to be candid, troubled. This reaction is based upon prior knowledge and understanding of the content of the evidence submitted by counsel to support the players? position that the pay they received was for actual work done. Why those charged with the responsibility of assessing the evidence?be it Ohio State, or the NCAA or its enforcement consultants -- failed to conclude likewise is troublesome, at best.
With the imposition of the additional suspensions the college career of at lease one of these players is effectively over. This seems to be by any standard of equity and fairness an incredibly steep price to pay for selling memorabilia and, if the position of the NCAA is to be accepted, receiving $700 extra dollars in pay from an employer. We would hope that upon additional reflection by the NCAA it would agree.
Accordingly, as former players?men who have in fact worn the uniform and know what the experience means to these young men-- we call upon the parties involved, both the NCAA and Ohio State, to revisit this penalty. We ask that given (i) the nature of the infraction; (ii)the disparity between the NCAA and the athletes relative to challenging this ruling; (iii) the impact this ruling has had and will have upon the lives of these young men, and (iv) the serious concerns we have over the analysis of the evidence submitted on the players? behalf, the ?Rule of Reason? will be followed and the players in question will be immediately reinstated.
Respectfully, said yet another way, they have been punished enough.
Sincerely,
Jim Conroy ?71, ?74 ? Football 1968-1970
Bruce Smith ?71 ? Football 1968
Jan White ?71 ? Football 1968-1970
Ralph Holloway ?71 ? Football 1968-1970
Phil Strickland ?71 ? Football 1968-1970
Bruce Jankowski ?71 ? Football 1968-1970
Fred Schram ?72 ? Football 1969-1971
John Hicks ?74 ? Football 1970, 1972-1973
Steve Langenkamp ?98 ? Football 1992-1995
Like he gives a shit about any student-athlete. They're the least of his concerns.