Yahoo, Tattoos, and tOSU (1-year bowl ban, 82 scholly limit for 3 years)

[muffler dragon]

It is absurd to state that circumstances could not prevent a 'BCS selected' College from fielding a team for a bowl game -- because of money. If tOSU had made a formal request to not participate in the Sugar Bowl 3 plus weeks before the game, there would have been time to choose a replacement team (Boise?). There would have been turmoil in the BCS; and the game ratings and attendance would have plummeted.

The media denounced tOSU's decision to abide by the NCAA ruling which allowed the tat5 to play. The alternative to forfeit - holding out the tat5 would not have addressed tOSU's responsibilty for not educating and controlling the players in regard to NCAA rules. And, holding out these players would have 'penalized' the innocent players, and fans.

Even without a crystal ball -- the university's explanation that there was a rules training issue, did not pass the smell test. The program is required to educate and document the NCAA rules training of the players. There was a lack of control, or blatantly unacceptable rules training.

I suggest you consult with the university regarding your POV.

 

[BB73]

It is absurd to state that circumstances could not prevent a 'BCS selected' College from fielding a team for a bowl game -- because of money. If tOSU had made a formal request to not participate in the Sugar Bowl 3 plus weeks before the game, there would have been time to choose a replacement team (Boise?). There would have been turmoil in the BCS; and the game ratings and attendance would have plummeted.

The media denounced tOSU's decision to abide by the NCAA ruling which allowed the tat5 to play. The alternative to forfeit - holding out the tat5 would not have addressed tOSU's responsibilty for not educating and controlling the players in regard to NCAA rules. And, holding out these players would have 'penalized' the innocent players, and fans.

Even without a crystal ball -- the university's explanation that there was a rules training issue, did not pass the smell test. The program is required to educate and document the NCAA rules training of the players. There was a lack of control, or blatantly unacceptable rules training.

Sure, because all an athletic department needs to do is tell 85 college-age guys over and over again not to do anything wrong, and then none of them will ever do something against the rules.

 

[Jake]

Until proven wrong I will give JT the benefit of the doubt. This stuff was going to come out at some point and he knew it. The Feds had the facts in this and there was no way to prevent it from coming out. What exactly did he have to gain by trying to cover up information that was going to come out either way?

If it "was going to come out either way" why not act on it in April? Why not report it on the compliance statement in September? Why not disclose it in December when the suspensions came down? Why, at that time, claim we didn't know about it until then?

He could have handled it differently and he definitely made some mistakes but I don't question his motives or intentions.

Unfortunately, I can't ignore all of the questions I posted above, so I am forced to question his motives and intentions. I honestly never thought that would happen.

I am a fan so my bias might be clouding my thought process here but I take a little comfort from that fact that unlike ESPIN and others I am willing to admit my bias.

I'm an alum and I'm biased, too, but not to the point where I stick my head in the sand and ignore the evidence before me. The jury is still out as the NCAA investigation continues, but some questions still need answers. Until then, I'm going to wait and see...

 

[JBaney45]

.... With Tressel's suspension, perhaps OSU could bring in Mike Leach as guest Offensive Coordinator.

We have already hired Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer to be co-head coaches. Given Leach's past with Stoops this idea makes sense, although I'm not sure Leach would be willing to co-exist with Bobby Bowden when it comes to calling plays.

 

[BuckShot63]

Word from people close to Carmen is that bad news is coming very soon

Who is Carmen?

 

[jwinslow]

Who is Carmen?

 

[Fungo Squiggly]

Where is Carmen?

 

[BuckShot63]

Isn't she from San Diego? Thanks guys, I WILL eventually catch up.

 

[MaxBuck]

It is absurd (more words here, etc.) ...

Even without a crystal ball -- ... There was a lack of control ...

I suggest you consult with the university regarding your POV.

I suggest the university will respond in similar fashion to the way I just did.

(Excuse me a moment - I need to flush.)

 

[muffler dragon]

I suggest the university will respond in similar fashion to the way I just did.

(Excuse me a moment - I need to flush.)

That would be my hope on [Mark May]heads like that cat that post garbage.

 

[SloopyHangOn]

That would be my hope on [Mark May]heads like that cat that post garbage.

 

[Gothmog8]

Wow the thread is still here. Thought it might be closed by now. So... not much new huh?

Spring game is coming up soon and I hear Tressel is not going to be coaching it either Does anyone know if the sat-tat 5 are going to be able to participate in it?

 

[BeanCounter]

If it "was going to come out either way" why not act on it in April? Why not report it on the compliance statement in September? Why not disclose it in December when the suspensions came down? Why, at that time, claim we didn't know about it until then?

Possibly due to the ongoing federal investigation and a desire to protect his team. I don't really know.

It was definitely going to come out. This was a federal trafficking case. The names were always going to come out.

There was nothing to be gained by secrecy but there may have been a lot to lose by reporting it. Neither one of us was there so it is pure speculation at this point. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt until the facts come out.

 

[gracelhink]

Possibly due to the ongoing federal investigation and a desire to protect his team. I don't really know.

It was definitely going to come out. This was a federal trafficking case. The names were always going to come out.

There was nothing to be gained by secrecy but there may have been a lot to lose by reporting it. Neither one of us was there so it is pure speculation at this point. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt until the facts come out.

Agreed! JT knew this stuff would come out, but he stopped short of reporting it! Why?
If JT has a fault it is that he does trust/give the benefit of the doubt to people, sometimes to his own harm.
Here's how I build a case, speculate this scenario went down:
When JT received the emails, his fear was that the players traded/sold their stuff for drugs.
Cicero's contact was afterall a drug dealer involved in a federal investigation of drug trafficking with the tattoo parlor as a front!

Tressel took these three steps with the 2 players identified in the emails:
1. mandated immeidate drug test/screening for players listed in the email.
2. asked TP and DP how their stuff got in the possession of a drug dealer. Maybe JT was satisfied with their answer and gave them the benefit of the doubt, "Coach, we just gave him some of our stuff, because he is a neat guy and a good friend. We aren't trading our stuff for drugs" i.e., no mention of tats at this point or receiving discounted services.
3. JT consulted with the mentors of each of the athletes re. choices.
One asked, "Jim what evidence do you have that they are involved in drugs?"
Emails were forwarded for professional intervention, (which is not a violation of confidentiality).

 

[Bill Lucas]

Wow the thread is still here. Thought it might be closed by now. So... not much new huh?

Spring game is coming up soon and I hear Tressel is not going to be coaching it either Does anyone know if the sat-tat 5 are going to be able to participate in it?

Yes, they can participate in spring practices and the spring game. I believe Pryor had ankle surgery and is out for the spring.