Well I finally have the internet back so I figured I would weigh in....
First off let me just say that I love Jim Tressel. I think he's a wonderful human being and in many circumstances a terrific coach. However, I love this university more than any coach.
In saying that though I believe that this University is better off without Jim leading this program if all this is true. For me there's just too many coincidences in his past that would indicate this is all just random happenings. Now I don't know if all the new accusations are true, but if they are these problems go back well into his YSU days as far as cars and money go. I understand that he cannot watch all his players all the time, but he can turn a blind eye that's for sure. I've played all levels of football (minus pro of course) and the players generally park in the same area as the coaches. I don't know about you guys but if I see a player riding around in ANYTHING with rims or looking like a new ride I would automatically wonder what's going on.
As far as Gene Smith or Gordon Gee go. Gene oversee's Tressel and Gee oversee's Gene. Well when the whole world thinks Jim Tressel can do no wrong and there's no signs of fire why dig into the football program? Digging into the program is Jim's job, and if Jim's commiting violations then it's Gene's job to take the appropriate steps. For me there's no blame Gene or Gordan because ultimately they did the right thing which is accept Jims resignation (more than likely forced him to) for his violations. I don't know what goes into a athletic directors responsibilities but i'd like to believe they over see the people (head coaches) that are involved in each individual sport. If the softball team is cutting corners then guess what? The head coach is probably letting players get away with is. Jim was in control of the football program, not Gene or Gordon.
This really sucks because the University is ultimately going to have to pay for this neglegence on Jims part. I would be shocked if we don't vacate last years wins as well as going forward being on bowl probation, scholarship reductions, and probation for atleast 3-5 years. Which, IMO, is unfair because we took the necessary steps to make sure the football program is getting back on track. I don't remember this sort of problem under John Cooper (Grades were though), and I do believe Tressel Ultimately could cope with this because technically he wasn't lying. He just wasn't telling the whole truth which can (as we all see) be just as bad.
What's funny about all of this is I was one that was so nervous of Pryor going to Michigan and making our life hell. Now, I wish he would've. When the star player is driving around cars and trading things in for cash and tattoo's and not getting caught what do you think a player like Solomon Thomas or Boom Herron is thinking? LEAD BY EXAMPLE, can either be one of the best methods of leadership or in this case one of the absolute worst. Now we will all feel the consequences for the next 2-5 years.
I work in Sales and I have a small analogy. I've had circumstances in the past where I've had some people who could sell anything to anybody! Always met quota's, always hit goals, always driving business. However, I recently fired someone because they were coloring outside the lines. YEAH, I could've turned my head knowing how awesome this individual was but If I did that my store would ultimately suffer in which case then I'm out of a job. Did it set me back in performance? No question, but was it worth it long term? You bet. There's Plenty of talent out there (in my case salesmen) who will do it the right way and are just as good. It may set you back short term but you NEVER sacrifice over all picture for a quick fix success.
