Sometime it’s what a team does off the field that defines a program or institution. Ohio State, in their reckless pursuit to rid themselves from the SEC and BCS monkey as well as attempting to salvage what was a horrific performance by the Big-10 in this year’s bowl contests, ignored the honorable route and is allowing 5 players to participate in this year’s Sugar Bowl. OSU suspended the suspension for the Bowl Game even though they were found guilty of breaking NCAA regulations by selling personal memorabilia. Big-10 Commissioner Jim Delany, “missed an opportunity to stand up” and force OSU “to be accountable” and “endure consequences” even though he called the NCAA out for the exact same shortcomings when the reinstated Cam Newton on December 1st.
Then there’s Les Miles and LSU. Earlier today, the Bengal Tiger Football Team took time out to put a smile on a few less fortunate faces, visiting a children’s hospital in Dallas. The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is a world leader in the treatment of pediatric orthopedic cases in children, treating conditions such as scoliosis, clubfoot, hand disorders, hip disorders and limb length differences, as well as certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. For what has been a common practice for Miles’ coached teams, this is yet another lesson for life Miles preaches to his team in preparation for life after Football.