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Home , Jim Heacock, Jim Tressel, Luke Fickell, Randy Ayers, Rick Bay

Originally Published: June 2011 $2.50 PERIODICAL NEWSPAPER CLASSIFICATION DATED MATERIAL PLEASE RUSH!! C M

Vol. 30, No. 22 “For The Buckeye Fan Who Needs To Know More” June 2011 Y K ‘It is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign’ GG NENE

JOSH WINSLOW PHOTO, ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW HAGER SAY GOODBYE – , Ohio State’s head football coach since 2001, resigned from his position May 30 amid the NCAA violations controversy that has engulfed the football program in recent months.

By JEFF SVOBODA Buckeye Sports Bulletin Staff Writer The End Of The Jim Tressel Era

With his program and legacy under scrutiny for major NCAA violations after This edition of Buckeye Sports Bulletin has 10 years of winning football, Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel delivered his plenty of coverage of the resignation of Jim letter of resignation to athletic director Gene Smith the morning of May 30. Tressel, including: “After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best inter- est of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach,” Tressel said in the signed • Reactions from former Ohio State foot- letter. “The appreciation that (wife) Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is ball players, 2011 signees and 2012 verbal immeasurable. We have been blessed to work with the finest group of young commits, Buckeye fans and national media men in America and we love them dearly. • A profile on , the man who “We know that God had a plan for us and we will be fine. We will be will lead the Buckeyes this fall Buckeyes forever.” • A timeline of the Jim Tressel era The announcement – accompanied by confirmation that assistant head • Columns by BSB managing editor Mark coach Luke Fickell will replace Tressel on an interim basis for the 2011 season Rea, publisher Frank Moskowitz and colum- – came five months after scandal hit the program in the form of an investigation Jim Tressel into the fact that six players including star had bro- nists Rich Exner and Mike Wachsman ken NCAA rules by selling memorabilia and accepting discounted benefits. “The recent situation has been a distraction for our great university, and I The storm intensified in early March when the university announced a make this decision for the greater good of our school,” he wrote. two-game suspension – which was later extended to five – and fine to the head University president Dr. E. Gordon Gee and director of athletics Gene coach for not reporting what he knew about the violations to athletics compli- Smith publicly pledged their support to Tressel at the time his sanctions were ance or any of his bosses upon having been alerted to them in April 2010. announced March 8, pointing to his body of outstanding work both on and off The NCAA was still to rule after an Aug. 12 meeting with Ohio State whether the field at Ohio State, but it started to become clear Tressel’s support had further sanctions were necessary, with the possibility that Tressel’s job could waned over time. have been on the line in the face of a possible show-cause penalty that would In the weeks before the resignation, Gee appointed a committee to “analyze have forced the university’s hand. and provide advice to me regarding issues attendant to our football program,” Tressel, 58, continued to coach Ohio State through spring football, but he he confirmed in a letter written to the board of trustees informing its members alluded to the increasing negative publicity – some of which stemmed from a of Tressel’s resignation. trickle of stories in the local and national media about other benefits illegally obtained by players – around the program in his resignation letter. Continued On Page 6 Originally Published: June 2011 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Appeal Doomed Tressel tions, he regularly attempted to put forth a I was a teammate of Kirk’s father, Jim brain-dead, self-serving punks who thumb A very simple question comes to mind: holier-than-thou image. People take great Herbstreit, and I cannot imagine how their nose at rules and regulations. Why did Ohio State appeal the original pleasure in castigating the pastor who embarrassed he must be of his son. Tressel is a good man. The Ray Smalls suspension of the five players for five preaches a sermon on marital fidelity on Casimir T. Adulewicz and Terrelle Pryors are not, so it is a bit- games? Sunday morning and is caught making Steubenville, Ohio tersweet feeling I have at the moment. I If the appeal had succeeded, it is likely a pass at the choir director Wednesday don’t like his departure under these cir- that no more than two games would have night. Harsh Words cumstances. been knocked off the five-game suspen- There was also the remarkable success I am a Buckeye. I was born and raised Rich Foust sions. It was the information uncovered in of the program. Winning creates envy in in Columbus. I graduated from Ohio State. Troy, Ohio the preparation of the appeal that incrimi- many people. Not only has the program I am also an avid sports fan and have fol- nated Tressel. Did Tressel realize this been dramatically successful on Tressel’s lowed the exploits of OSU teams and ath- From Enemy Territory at the time that the appeal decision was watch but it has been done within the letes and taken pride in their successes. This message is coming from the “belly made? If he did, why did he not recom- framework of a sound educational pro- It goes without saying that I am very of the beast,” so to speak, because I live in mend against the appeal? gram. The players succeeded in the class- ticked off that the actions of a few individu- Lion Country in Pennsylvania. To its great credit Ohio State has room as well as on the football field. als have tarnished the name and reputa- A friend and I were eating lunch at a complied with NCAA regulations that Those who are envious have rejoiced tion of a great university. For those who restaurant. He and his family are diehard require each school to report itself when that they finally have an opportunity to are involved, from Jim Tressel and the PSU fans. He did not want to talk about it becomes aware of violations by any of cut. They would have you believe that individual ball players to the university the OSU national title win in men’s vol- its athletic personnel. Ohio State informed OSU football is corrupt with their “Tressel officials complicit in this sordid mess, I leyball that occurred in State College days the NCAA of Tressel’s serious violations. Lies” headlines. There are corrupt football have a few choice words. You are nit- before. But there is no NCAA rule that requires programs in the college ranks with rogue wits, nincompoops, imbeciles, idiots and Instead, he was focusing on our trou- every school to go through the e-mails of coaches at the helm. Ohio State and Tressel morons. bles with Tattoo-gate and other situations. its coaches each year to see if each coach are not even close to being on that list. Jean Williams At one point, his wife strolled in with a T- is perfectly clean. I fervently hoped that OSU fans and Columbia, Md. shirt that had a picture of a pair of glasses No fishing expeditions are required. It alumni would close ranks to support this and the word “Legend” on the front, rep- was such a fishing expedition that nailed coach and program. Memorial Day Cheapened resenting . On the back was Tressel. Myron Cline As a longtime Buckeye supporter I the term “Liar” with a scarlet sweater vest In retrospect it was very poor judgment Findlay, Ohio feel only one question above all others below it. by Ohio State not to realize that there deserves an answer in reference to Tattoo- This is apparently a hot item for sale up could be skeletons in Tressel’s closet that Tired Of Negativity gate. What possessed the powers that be in State College. Boy, are they jealous of would be better left there. Wouldn’t it be I cannot think of enough negative com- at The to announce and hateful of the Buckeyes. great to have back that original decision? ments to make about Kirk Herbstreit and Jim Tressel’s resignation on Memorial Denis J. Navarro Gib Gildea . Day, detracting from a day which should Altoona, Pa. Newport Beach, Calif. Their words are negative. We know be dedicated to remembering those who about Benedict Herbstreit, but we did not gave their lives in the defense of our If you would like to express an opinion Tressel Reaction Overblown know about the Machiavellian Spielman, country? concerning Ohio State University sports, I believe that the transgressions made who covets the Ohio State coaching job. Randy Koch please send your letter to BSB Letters, P.O. by Jim Tressel were blown out of propor- I think both critics should have their Sandusky, Ohio Box 12453, Columbus, OH 43212, or e- tion. Why the extreme negative reaction Varsity “O” letters revoked. How can we mail it to [email protected] for use from so many, particularly those in the tolerate these two critics and still think of Shouldn’t End Like This in BSB. Letters must be signed and include media? I think there are principally two them as Buckeyes? It’s no secret I have never been a fan the writer’s hometown and a daytime tele- reasons. We have heard from a classy Buckeye, of Jim Tressel, but I do not like the way phone number for verification. Publication First, it was a response to perceived Jack Nicklaus, on the subject of Jim he had to leave. I would rather have had it priority will be given to those letters that are hypocrisy. Here I believe Tressel stands Tressel. I for one salute Mr. Nicklaus and happen for on-field circumstances, not for brief, and we reserve the right to edit letters responsible. Obsessed with public rela- give thumbs down to the negative two. the stupid acts of a handful of arrogant, for publication. From The Pages Of BSB

25 Years Ago – 1986 15 Years Ago – 1996 Five Years Ago – 2006 The biggest news to come out of the Big Ten’s annual The men’s basketball program received another blow to Jim Tressel and Ohio State agreed on a contract extension meetings was a plan to have Ohio State president Edward its reputation when Randy Ayers kicked freshmen to keep the coach with the Buckeyes at least through 2012, Jennings ask the NCAA to make freshmen ineligible in football Jami Bosley and Scott Gradney off the team for their alleged including a windfall of $2.7 million in the final year. and men’s basketball. roles in a series of automobile break-ins in the Arps Hall Shortly before BSB went to press, track and field head Indiana president John Ryan said the Big Ten would parking garage. coach Russ Rogers announced his retirement after 18 years at consider making the move on its own if the NCAA opted not According to reports, Gradney was caught removing a Ohio State. to, but Ohio State representatives seemed cool to that idea. wallet from one car and “The Club” antitheft device from “I need this time to spend with my mother,” Rogers said. “I don’t think the Big Ten can do it unilaterally,” director another. Bosley allegedly attempted to remove the stereo “She is 87 and in need of assisted living.” of athletics Rick Bay said. “It would be suicide for us to do so system from a third car and aided the effort by driving his The men’s cage team lost some depth with the departure from the standpoint of recruiting or being able to compete brother’s Pontiac Firebird. of guard Sylvester Mayes, who opted to take his one remaining nationally. If everyone else wants to do it across the board, Director of athletics Andy Geiger made news by announcing year of eligibility elsewhere. The decision left ’s then fine.” a plan to renovate Ohio Stadium for $80 million. crew with 10 scholarship players for the upcoming season. Head football coach had mixed emotions on “I think the urgency to do this was about 1990,” said The door swung both ways, however, as Matta secured the topic. the AD entering his third year on the job at OSU. “I think commitments from two Ohioans from the class of 2007: “I think that would hurt our recruiting if freshmen were we haven’t invested in that facility in a long, long time. centers Kosta Koufos of Canton GlenOak and Dallas Lauderdale not eligible in the Big Ten and they were eligible other places,” This will be the 75th football season we have played in that of Solon. Bruce said. “We’d have to work around that. I guess we’d have stadium, and there is very much an attitude of taking it for Former Buckeyes Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek, Jim Jackson to go to an all-Big Ten schedule. We need at least 10 of those granted.” and Jay Burson were among the members of the inaugural freshmen to be able to play and participate.” class to enter the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame & Museum. He liked the idea of freshmen having a year to get 10 Years Ago – 2001 acclimated to campus and proposed an addition of 10 The baseball team saw its season come to an end with One Year Ago – 2010 scholarships to increase the pool of available players. losses to Delaware and Kent State in NCAA regional play, Interviews with multiple decision-makers at Ohio State bringing to an end a season that saw Todd forced to rely seemed to indicate venerable St. John Arena had an expiration 20 Years Ago – 1991 on 12 freshmen and sophomores for significant playing date of 10 to 15 years. Baseball head coach Bob Todd never lost sight of how time. “Seriously, what do you reuse it for?” senior associate important six seniors were to his team winning its first Big Ten Dave Kennedy, a fixture with the Ohio State football athletic director for finance and operations Ben Jay said. championship since 1967 by capturing the league tournament program as the strength and conditioning coach for the “We’re not moving basketball back to St. John Arena. Do you in Columbus. previous 12 seasons, abruptly turned in his resignation. He keep the arena open for the sports that are here (wrestling, “These guys battled hard all year,” Todd said of a group walked away from a lucrative long-term contract to pursue volleyball and gymnastics)? We plan to do that right now including fifth-year players Tom Schwarber, Matt Ban and Keith other career opportunities, according to a news release from until there is an alternate place that we can build for them to Klodnick along with Dean Mueller, Matt Wajda and Greg Frey. the university. be a new home. But we’re still going to be dealing with the “They had character, and sometimes they proved that it’s a The men’s basketball team received good news when issues.” team that wants to win more, not necessarily the team that Lilburn (Ga.) Berkmar forward Clark Williams signed a letter Sources told BSB that sophomore running back Jermil plays the best.” of intent to join a well-received Ohio State recruiting class of Martin was considering a transfer, but an OSU spokesperson The Buckeyes qualified for the NCAA tournament for point guard Brandon Fuss-Cheatham, forward Matt Sylvester said Martin had not finalized anything with the coaches before the first time since 1982. They were eliminated from the and center Terence Dials. press time. postseason with a pair of losses to California to finish the The only potential catch was grade-related as Williams was Ohio State director of athletics Gene Smith was named season 52-13. They beat Rider in the tournament opener and rumored to lack a high enough GPA to make his 850 SAT score Sports Business Journal Athletic Director of the Year. He was downed East Carolina in a losers bracket contest. enough to qualify on the NCAA’s sliding scale. nominated for the second time in three years.

2 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2011 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2011

OPINION PR Disaster Cost Ohio State, Tressel Dearly According to the official Ohio State ath- “With every fiber of his being, (Tressel) been ruled ineligible participated in those letic department website, there are 12 dif- believes in the law of integrity and also has games. Additionally, Tressel could have ferent people whose sole responsibility is lived that way,” Gee said that night. “You been in for a stiffer penalty than a five-game Vol. 30, No. 22 sports communications. That includes an heard him say he made a mistake and he did. suspension and $250,000 fine. Perhaps that June 2011 associate athletic director in charge of com- But he has learned from that mistake.” fine would have been doubled and the coach munications, a director of communications, Smith went even further. sidelined for the entire 2011 season. I believe www.BuckeyeSports.com an associate director, six assistant directors, the OSU football program could have lived a communications assistant and two interns. with that. Buckeye Sports Bulletin (USPS 705-690, The glaring omission from that group Unfortunately, it seems Tressel was the ISSN 0883-6833.) is published 24 times a EDITOR’S year (weekly September through November, is anyone with the words “public relations” only one in this war ready to go to battle. biweekly mid-March through May and attached to their title, and if you don’t think NOTEBOOK Why else would he have hired an attor- January through early March and monthly there is a major difference between commu- ney who was a former chair of the NCAA June through August and December) by: Mark Rea nications and public relations, look back at Committee of Infractions? I have always Columbus Sports Publications the past six months at OSU to witness what believed that with any kind of support from 1350 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 30 can only be described as an unmitigated “I want to make sure you understand,” his superiors – and I mean real support and P.O. Box 12453 Columbus, Ohio 43212 disaster that has cost the university in terms the AD said, “that wherever we end up, at not the vacuous lip service he was receiving (614) 486-2202 of money and prestige as well as arguably the end of the day Jim Tressel is our football – Tressel could have weathered the storm. the greatest football coach it has ever had. coach. Obviously, we’re disappointed here Instead, those at Ohio State who made the Periodical class postage paid at For six months, you couldn’t open a but I will tell you that as a coach of young ultimate decision couldn’t stand the heat. Columbus, Ohio, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address chang- newspaper, turn on a television or log on men, we support him 100 percent. He’s our Tressel made a mistake and there is no es to: Buckeye Sports Bulletin, P.O. Box to the Internet without being bombarded coach and we trust him implicitly.” denying that. But let’s pause for a moment, 12453, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Subscription by story after story about wrongdoing with- What happened between March 8 and take a deep breath and perform a quick real- rates: $74.95/year. in the Ohio State football program. Since May 30 to make support for Tressel go from ity check. He did not pay his players, he did PUBLISHER December, when six players were suspended 100 percent to zero? not commit recruiting violations and he did Frank Moskowitz for violating NCAA regulations, it was basi- In my humble opinion, university power- not run a rogue program. The majority of cally one dumpster fire after another with no brokers (otherwise known as board mem- his players graduated on time, his program’s ASSISTANT PUBLISHER EMERITUS Karen Wachsman 1944-1999 one at the athletic department answering the bers, large donors and influential boosters) academic standing was exemplary and his alarm bells. got tired of being pilloried during their production on the field was superlative. Add MANAGING EDITOR Rather than getting out in front of the nightly cocktail parties and threatened to to those successes the untold number of Mark Rea burgeoning PR problem, an athletic depart- cut off their financial support until Tressel charitable donations of both money and time ASSISTANT PUBLISHER ment that oversees 36 varsity sports with an was ousted. Never mind that those were idle that Tressel made over the past decade and Becky Roberts annual operating budget north of $115 mil- threats. No booster would ever end their you have one of the giants of his profession. lion looked more and more inept with each financial support because doing so would And still his superiors could not muster PHOTOGRAPHY Sonny Brockway Terry Gilliam passing day. mean giving up the influence they covet so the fortitude to stand behind him when the Kevin Dye Josh Winslow That ineptitude began with an ill-advised, much. going got tough? I would never in a million poorly conceived news conference during Perhaps Gee, Smith and the feckless years have believed that could happen at The CONTRIBUTORS Bill Armstrong Craig Merz which director of athletics Gene Smith, uni- board of trustees thought ridding them- Ohio State University. David Breithaupt Bob Roehm versity president Dr. E. Gordon Gee and selves of their embattled coach would some- Rich Exner Julie Roy head coach Jim Tressel did more to harpoon how stop the endless stream of bad press. If Some Final Thoughts Matthew Hager Mark Schmetzer their own message than any number of so, they have continued an impressive streak We can debate forever the merits of Marcus Hartman Steve Siegfried Adam Jardy Stacey Stathulis screeds from ESPN or of misjudgments. In the days following the Tressel’s decision to withhold information Rich Leonardo Jeff Svoboda ever could have. release of the SI story – another mishmash after he learned his players were involved in Eric Loughry Mike Wachsman The major problem was that there was of questionable information supplied by less- improper activities. What is not up for debate

DIRECTOR OF GROUP AND CO-OP SALES never any compelling reason to stage that than-credible sources – the focus shifted is that his May 30 resignation marked one Jack Woodworth March 8 news conference. from Tressel to quarterback Terrelle Pryor of the darkest days in Ohio State football As a member of the media, naturally I as the bloodlust for anything scarlet and gray history. ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES always want all the information I can gather, continued almost unabated. Those who took victory laps for what- Ron Friedman Jan Jager and under normal circumstances a chance The university’s response? Scared silence. ever reason after Tressel’s downfall got their 2010-11 PUBLICATION SCHEDULE (VOL. 30) to hear from the university’s athletic direc- The floodwaters continued to rise and no one wish. When you have been a college head No. 1 Sept. 11 No. 13 December tor, president and head football coach would lifted a finger to fill a single public relations coach for nearly 30 years, it is certain you No. 2 Sept. 18 No. 14 Jan. 15 No. 3 Sept. 25 No. 15 Jan. 29 obviously make my job easier. But the uni- sandbag. have made your share of enemies along the No. 4 Oct. 2 No. 16 Feb. 12 versity is not and should not be in the busi- As a result, into the breach marched a way. No. 5 Oct. 9 No. 17 March 5 ness of making my job easier. sanctimonious national media who would But for those fans who are pleased No. 6 Oct. 16 No. 18 March 19 The handful of hours after the original have one believe Ohio State is the only because they didn’t like the coach’s conser- No. 7 Oct. 23 No. 19 April 2 No. 8 Oct. 30 No. 20 April 16 story broke that Tressel had prior knowl- university in America at which NCAA vio- vative approach to offense, his unwavering No. 9 Nov. 13 No. 21 May edge of his players’ transgressions gave the lations occur and Tressel was the dirtiest loyalty to his sometimes-unpopular assistant No. 10 Nov. 20 No. 22 June university no time to formulate a unified coach since Bobby Collins, whose Southern coaches or the fact that they just haven’t got- No. 11 Nov. 27 No. 23 July No. 12 Nov. 30 No. 24 August message. As a result, the principals rushed Methodist program got shut down in 1987 ten over back-to-back losses in the 2006 and into a news conference situation virtually with the NCAA “death penalty.” 2007 national championship games, I have The next issue (July cover date) will be unprepared and the result was tantamount The cold, hard truth – and the toughest a simple question. Do you realize just how mailed on July 5. to tossing a lighted match into a barrel of pill still for me to swallow – is that none of far back Tressel’s exit has set the Ohio State Buckeye Sports Bulletin is a privately gasoline. this had to happen. program? Then again, maybe you got tired owned newspaper and is not affiliated Why the university didn’t simply release of beating Michigan every year, stringing directly or indirectly with The Ohio State a one-page statement and issue a depart- No Support For Tressel together a record number of the Big Ten University. ment-wide gag order on the matter remains Unless something else is revealed – some- championships and playing in meaningful beyond my comprehension. thing with real meat on its bones – I will bowl games. BSB e-mail address is: [email protected] Instead, we received a steady drip, drip, remain unconvinced Tressel had to go. I know what some of you are thinking. drip of tortuous snippets that gave the story There has been speculation the NCAA Oh, we’ll just bring in (or any- fresh legs every few days. It didn’t really mat- will eventually slam the Buckeyes with simi- one else of your choosing) and everything ter that many of the “new revelations” were lar penalties as the ones recently levied on will be fine. Really? There is a reason why regurgitated material gleaned from infor- the University of Southern California that only one other Big Ten team in history has mation that had already been made public. include vacated seasons, forfeited champion- won six championships in a row. It’s the The day-after-day drumbeat continued to eat ships, scholarship reductions and a postsea- same reason why no Ohio State coach has away at Ohio State’s already eroded reputa- son ban. ever beaten Michigan seven times in a row tion – especially in the court of public opin- That might be true if USC-OSU was – because it’s hard. Damned hard. ion – and on the eve of what was supposed to an apples-to-apples comparison. Unlike the Whatever sanctions the NCAA levies will be a particularly damning exposé by Sports Reggie Bush ordeal at USC, however, the come and go, just as the national media will Illustrated, university officials finally pushed university has not been charged with a lack eventually move on to another witch hunt. the panic button and jettisoned Tressel. of institutional control. Meanwhile, Ohio State has lost much more Just how much of an albatross has that Yes, there are likely to be additional than a public relations battle. It has lost Jim March 8 news conference become for Smith sanctions. Several games of the 2010 season Tressel – the right man in the right place at and Gee? Enough that both men come off as – perhaps all of them – could be vacated the right time for the right job, and he’s been ineffectual, disingenuous or a little of both. because players who would have otherwise lost for all the wrong reasons. www.BuckeyeSports.com June 2011 BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN • 3 Originally Published: June 2011

COVER STORY REPUTATION Tressel Departs After & TRADITION 10 Seasons At OSU Continued From Page 1 Still, the Buckeyes were a model of consistency, tying the Big Ten record for born from commitment “In consultation with the senior leader- consecutive championships and qualifying ship of the university and the senior lead- for bids six ership of the board, I have been actively straight years from from 2005-10. Along the foundation of trust reviewing the matter and have accepted the way, Tressel upped his record against Coach Tressel’s resignation,” he wrote to Michigan to 9-1 while setting up a recruit- the board. ing fence around Ohio that severely weak- No formal press conference had been ened the U-M program. the reason so many choose held as of press time, but Gee did briefly In all, Tressel went 106-22 in 10 sea- discuss the topic with reporters at an unre- sons, winning seven conference titles and lated event June 1. When asked whether making eight appearances in BCS bowls, Tressel was encouraged to resign or forced going 5-3. out by university officials, he said simply, Tressel was also known for his work “I think it is very clear that the coach in in the community and with the military. the end understood the kind of scrutiny he He was a leader in raising money for the was under.” renovation of Ohio State’s William Oxley Athletic director Gene Smith also has Thompson library and donated a substan- not spoken to the public, but he did release tial amount of money to that cause himself, a three-minute video statement about the and he was known to visit hospitals and decision May 30 that shed at least a faint return even the smallest personal request light on Tressel’s final hours. In the video, for his time. Smith said he met with Tressel upon the He actively welcomed military person- The Ohio State coach’s return from vacation May 29 and nel to the Ohio State practice field and set the two decided on a course of action at up a display in the Athletic that time. Center to honor those who had military “We did meet with part of the team ties in the program as well as diehard fans University, this morning and those who were not who served in the armed forces. During there, they were contacted by their posi- the summer of 2009, he traveled to Iraq tion coaches, but Coach Tressel did what and Afghanistan to visit U.S. troops based for a Tradition of we all knew that he would do,” Smith said. overseas. “He did an eloquent job of explaining to the His players achieved in the classroom young men what transition really means – OSU was recognized in May for being in Excellence, and what they need to focus on. We met the top 10 percent of Division I-A football with the team and exited. in the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate “Prior to the team meeting we did meet – and many talked of the impact Tressel with the coaching staff and the support staff had in shaping them into successful young and Wesley Glen Retirement around our football program and shared men both on and off the field. with them that Jim had decided to resign.” “I do want to thank Coach Tressel for Community, Wesley Ridge Previous to running afoul of NCAA his long service to our university,” Smith rules, Tressel – who also has not spoken said in his video address. “There were a to reporters since the decision – posted a lot of people that he touched in a highly Retirement Community and decorated career in Columbus. positive way. We were very thankful for He was hired away from Youngstown his leadership during the years that we had Life Center Adult Day Services; State after the 2000 season, replacing great success on the field and off the field the fired John Cooper, after winning four but more importantly in the classroom.” sharing a tradition of quality care and Division I-AA national championships. Controversy followed the coach, how- Though many were skeptical of the largely ever. unknown Mentor, Ohio, native, he quickly Running back , who excellence since Wesley Glen began won over the fan base by doing two things helped the 2002 team to the national title, Cooper could not – beating Michigan and was a walking firestorm. He was suspended serving Central Ohio in 1969. winning it all. for the 2003 season after accepting illegal Though Tressel’s first team went only benefits, and eyebrows were raised when 7-5, it stayed in contention for the Big he filed a police report alleging that nearly Ten crown until the final weeks and then $10,000 worth of merchandise had been Wesley Glen Wesley Ridge shocked Michigan by a 26-20 score in Ann stolen from the loaner car he was driving. Arbor. Later, quarterback was sus- 5155 North High Street 2225 Taylor Park Drive One year later, everything came togeth- pended for two games in late 2004 when it er as Ohio State won its first national was found he had accepted money from a Columbus, OH 43214 Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 championship in more than three decades. booster. Smith returned to Ohio State and The Buckeyes went 13-0 during the regu- won the in 2006. (614) 888-7492 (614) 759-0023 lar season, capping the campaign with a Finally, the scandal that came to light www.wesleyglen.com www.wesleyridge.com nerve-racking 14-9 win against Michigan in December was too much for Tressel to in Ohio Stadium, before going to the overcome. as two-touchdown underdogs Life Center to Miami (Fla.). Tressel’s Downfall Many expected the Hurricanes to romp The first sign of trouble came Dec. 23 Adult Day Services to victory, but Ohio State’s dominating when Ohio State gathered the media amid 2225 Taylor Park Drive defense held its ground and the Buckeyes swirling rumors to announce that six play- posted a 31-24 double-overtime win in a ers had been suspended for games at the Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 game many consider to be among the best start of the 2011 season. (614) 866-7212 ever played in . Pryor, offensive lineman Mike Adams, The winning rarely stopped from that running back Dan “Boom” Herron, receiver Located at: point forward. Ohio State again won the DeVier Posey and defensive end Solomon Wesley Ridge English Garden Fiesta Bowl in 2003 and ’05 before playing Thomas were suspended five games for Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church for national championships in the 2006 and selling memorabilia including champion- ’07 seasons, dropping both to SEC schools ship rings and equipment against NCAA Florida and LSU, respectively. rules, while linebacker Jordan Whiting

6 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2011 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2011

COVER STORY have been involved in selling memorabilia, receiving discounted tattoos and also taking Potential Ohio State Coaching Candidates money for autographs from both Fine Line Ink and Dudley’z Tattoos & Body Piercing. Ohio State has chosen to elevate assis- excellent recruiter. He has reportedly been who has coached at Bowling Green, Utah Of those players, nine – C.J. Barnett, tant Luke Fickell to replace Jim Tressel as courted for some Mid-American Conference and Florida – where he won two national Dorian Bell, Jaamal Berry, Bo DeLande, head coach for the 2011 season, but the jobs, but would he be ready to take over at a championships – Meyer reached the top Zach Domicone, John Simon, Storm Klein, university also announced that a search place like Ohio State? of the profession before retiring following Etienne Sabino and Nathan Williams – are for Tressel’s full-time replacement will take Jon Gruden – He has never been a head last season because of stress-related health currently on the squad. place at the conclusion of the campaign. coach at the college level, but Gruden has problems. It remains to be seen if he’d be The SI story also said four unnamed Already, a number of familiar names been installed as a 3:1 choice to take over ready to return to coaching after a year players traded memorabilia for marijuana have been rumored as possible hires. BSB according to online sportsbook Bodog.com. off, and his players had an extensive arrest while hanging out at Fine Line Ink, and takes a look at the early speculation with Gruden spent 11 seasons as the head coach record at Florida. that former running back Jermil Martin profiles of the possible replacements. Those of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders and Tampa – An Ohio State letter win- had received cars from Rife. candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Bay Buccaneers from 1998-2008, leading ner at safety from 1987-90 and a co-captain The NCAA was quick to act, as sources – The Michigan State the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win in his senior year, Pelini has brought back head coach spent 2001-03 as Tressel’s 2002. A Sandusky native and Dayton grad, the luster to the Nebraska program in his told BSB that that the current players were defensive coordinator before moving on Gruden also has extensive Ohio ties and three years, posting a 30-12 record. Pelini is interviewed by Ohio State and the NCAA to . After three years with the many figure he’d be an excellent recruiter. known as one of the most intense coaches the week of May 30, though OSU spokes- Bearcats, he took over at Michigan State He currently is a color analyst on ESPN’s in the game and his defenses remind many person Jim Lynch would not confirm. and has led the Spartans to a 33-19 record “Monday Night Football.” of Tressel’s, as Pelini was a defensive coor- “The university has an active investiga- in four seasons as well as a share of the – Hazell is a dinator at Nebraska, Oklahoma tion with the NCAA and we will continue to 2010 Big Ten championship. Dantonio dark-horse choice, but he could and LSU before taking over in work jointly with them until the conclusion is much like Tressel in that he stresses be in the running after serving Lincoln. of the matter,” Lynch told BSB. discipline and fundamental football, and as OSU’s assistant head coach Mark Stoops – The Stoops Added Smith in a statement, “During the Zanesville, Ohio, native has plenty of the past six seasons. Also OSU’s family of Youngstown, Ohio, is the course of an investigation, the universi- recruiting ties in the Buckeye State. Health receivers coach from 2004-10, well known in coaching circles, ty and the NCAA work jointly to review any might be an issue; Dantonio suffered a mild Hazell took over as the head man and it seems unlikely Ohio State new allegations that come to light and will heart attack during the 2010 season. at Kent State during the offseason. could wrest from his continue to do so until the conclusion of Luke Fickell – The interim coach is a He was known to be extremely head coaching role at Oklahoma. the investigation. You should rest assured rising star in the business. A former Ohio well liked by players and was one As a result, Mark seems like the that these new allegations will be evaluated State defensive lineman, he joined Tressel’s of Tressel’s most trusted deputies most viable candidate from the in exactly this manner.” staff in 2002 as special teams coordinator. He during his time in Columbus. family. Currently the defensive The parents of Simon and Klein both was promoted to linebackers coach in 2004 Urban Meyer – The favorite coordinator at Florida State, issued public statements to BSB and other Bo Pelini and added the co-defensive coordinator title to take over at 3:2 according to Mark is known for producing media outlets that their sons had done a year later. Young and energetic, Fickell Bodog, Meyer just can’t seem to escape fundamentally sound, physical defenses. nothing wrong. relates well to his players and is known as an ties to Ohio State. An Ashtabula native – Jeff Svoboda Independent corroboration of SI’s claims was necessary for the NCAA to received a one-game suspension for receiv- especially after Cicero requested confiden- Ohio State was requested to send a move forward because the governing body ing improper benefits. tiality. response to those allegations by July 5 and must find proof of wrongdoing through its At the time, both Smith and Tressel said The result was that Tressel was handed to appear before the NCAA Committee own interviews rather than media reports. they were unaware of the situation until a $250,000 fine and suspension – as well on Infractions on Aug. 12, after which the However, the SI informant, a one-time alerted by the Department of Justice in as ordered to attend a compliance seminar committee would decide on any harsher employee of the tattoo parlors in ques- early December, but Ohio State discovered – by the university on March 8, the same penalties for the coach and school. tion, reportedly has said he will talk to the Jan. 13 while searching Tressel’s e-mails day the university announced the sanc- In the meantime, a torrent of stories NCAA. If some of the claims are corrobo- that he had been alerted by a local lawyer, tions at an ill-fated press conference. were published that could lead to further rated, Ohio State could face charges of fail- former OSU player Christopher Cicero. That day, both Smith and Gee pledged NCAA violations – and helped push the ure to monitor its football program or the The first e-mail sent from Cicero to their support to the coach as well. head coach out the door. dreaded tag of lack of institutional control. Tressel on April 2, 2010, alerted the coach “I want to make sure everyone under- Lawyer and NCAA compliance expert that a recent federal raid as part of a drug stands, wherever we end up at the end of Investigation Continues Michael L. Buckner told BSB that could be trafficking investigation showed that local the day, Jim Tressel is our football coach,” In early May, the Dispatch published more likely after the case involving the USC tattoo parlor owner Edward Rife was in Smith said. “All the speculation about him a report that OSU compliance office head football program, in which such star players possession of Ohio State memorabilia of being terminated is pure speculation. This Doug Archie was looking into the car pur- as Reggie Bush received illegal benefits. current players and selling it for profit. In case, in my view, does not warrant it.” chases of numerous high-profile athletes The NCAA decided the players were not addition, the e-mail said that OSU players Added Gee, “This university is very after seeming irregularities were found in as actively monitored by compliance and had been given free tattoos at Rife’s Fine committed to this coach. This president some cases. coaches as they should have been, and USC Line Ink parlor in Columbus. is committed to this coach. He’s had The story noted that athletes had pur- was hit with scholarship penalties, proba- Tressel replied, “I will get on it ASAP.” great success on the football field and chased cars from two Columbus-area deal- tion and a two-year bowl ban. Cicero sent another e-mail April 16 with we applaud that. He’s had great success erships that employed Aaron Kniffin, who “If what they’re reporting is true and the more detailed information and for the first in working with young people, and we had been put on the player pass lists for NCAA comes back through their own inde- time requested confidentiality in the mat- applaud that. But equally importantly, he’s seven football games including bowl con- pendent investigation and verifies some of ter. The last correspondence in early June had great success in building the character tests. it, then I think it will become more difficult was initiated by Tressel and asked the and reputation of this university, for which Kniffin quibbled publicly with Archie for Ohio State to avoid an institutional-wide attorney if he knew of any other student- I am entirely grateful.” over how much contact there was between penalty,” Buckner said. “Right or wrong, in athletes involved in the case, to which he However, the walls started to crumble his dealerships and the compliance office terms of what the NCAA is now expecting, replied he did not. in the coming weeks and months. The during those purchases but maintained in I think schools have to do a better job of However, Tressel did not at any point Columbus Dispatch reported that while numerous interviews that he had not given meeting those expectations. alert university officials to the e-mails from Tressel had not alerted anyone at OSU, he any OSU athletes deals he would not have “Before the USC case, there was prob- Cicero, leaving him in breach of NCAA had in fact forwarded the e-mails to Ted given to the general public. ably a gray line there, but the USC case bylaw 10.1 and OSU protocol that state he Sarniak, Pryor’s mentor from his home- The Lantern, OSU’s student newspaper, definitely established that schools have an must report any possible or potential viola- town of Jeannette, Pa. published a story May 26 in which for- obligation to be proactive in their compli- tions to the compliance office. Ohio State also received a Notice of mer player Ray Small admitted to selling ance efforts including their monitoring.” He later signed a compliance form in Allegations from the NCAA on April 25, memorabilia while playing at OSU and that Buckner also said that Tressel’s choice September 2010 that assured he was not a document that levied a major violation “everybody was doing it” while also con- to leave Ohio State should help the uni- aware of any rules violations inside of his against Tressel for the cover-up. firming that players were receiving deals versity when it comes to facing the NCAA, program. Finally in December, he did not “It was reported that Jim Tressel, head on cars. Small, who was publicly criticized especially if nothing new is confirmed. mention the e-mails to either Ohio State football coach, failed to deport himself in by numerous current and former players, “I think at this stage it will help Ohio or the NCAA when the university received accordance with the honesty and integrity later tried to recant his story and has said State because the employee that was the Department of Justice letter or as part normally associated with the conduct and he will not talk to the NCAA. involved in the most serious of the allega- of the ensuing investigation even when administration of intercollegiate athletics Finally, it was rumored that Sports tions – which was the unethical conduct questioned. as required by NCAA legislation and vio- Illustrated was working on a piece, set for allegation – is no longer employed at the The head coach stated he did not alert lated ethical-conduct legislation when he release June 1, that would delve deeper institution,” he said. “Generally speaking, anyone at Ohio State because he was wor- failed to report information concerning vio- into violations committed under Tressel’s in the past, that has tended to somewhat ried about the student-athletes’ safety and lations of NCAA legislation and permitted watch. help institutions.” well-being because of their association football student-athletes to participate in When the story was published the eve- No matter what, Tressel’s decorated with Rife. In addition, he said he did not intercollegiate athletics competition while ning of Tressel’s resignation, it alleged that tenure has come to a close, and it appears want to interrupt the federal investigation, ineligible,” the notice reads. almost 30 players reaching back to 2002 it will be a long summer in Columbus. www.BuckeyeSports.com June 2011 BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN • 7 Originally Published: June 2011 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL Former Buckeyes Stand Behind Their Coach Washington has been working out at the By ADAM JARDY WHAC in recent weeks. Buckeye Sports Bulletin Staff Writer As such, it took a few more phone calls As Jim Tressel went through the final to convince him to get out of bed and flip on days of his Ohio State career, a number of the television. his former players had no idea big changes “I would have never guessed,” he said. “I were looming on the horizon. still can’t really believe it.” Ross Homan, a linebacker from 2006-10 However, both Homan and Carpenter and team captain during his senior season, pointed out that the recent weeks had them is living and training in Columbus after unsure of what might be down the road for being selected by the Minnesota Vikings their former coach. One week earlier, former in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Homan wide receiver Ray Small told the student told BSB he has been working out at the newspaper, The Lantern, that he had sold Woody Hayes Athletic Center and would memorabilia while playing at Ohio State, see Tressel going through his usual rou- adding that everyone was doing it and open- tine. ing the program to a new round of scrutiny. “I’d come in every morning and say hi to “I think this is the culmination of a lot him,” Homan said a few hours after Tressel’s of pressure,” Carpenter said. “I feel like he resignation was announced. “He has a rou- probably is taking one more or less for the tine. He comes in early in the morning and university and the team. He might have felt goes on the treadmill and talks to everyone further sanctions were coming and with in the weight room like always and then goes him not being the coach they felt this was to work. It’s going to be weird now.” the best way to proceed as far as the NCAA Former linebacker Bobby Carpenter, infractions committee. He’s been there for a who received the news while in Dallas for long time and he’s a tremendous person. I a wedding, said he saw Tressel four days think he stepped up and did what he thought before his resignation and saw no indications was right and in the best interests of the FILE PHOTO university.” of what was to come. STILL THEIR GUY – Former Ohio State players such as Jim Cordle (left), a senior “I talked to him in person before I left to Added Homan: “No one really knew what come down here and he was really the same offensive Iineman In 2009, have voiced their support for Jim Tressel (right). was going on with all the allegations. No one guy in May of 2011 as he was in 2001 when wasn’t any chink in (Tressel’s) armor. It was was going to take the punishment and move knew what it was going to come down to.” he was hired,” said Carpenter, who lettered carry on as usual. I walked by his office two on and coach out his contract.” Nader Abdallah, an OSU letter winner for the Buckeyes from 2002-05. “That’s who weeks ago and he was talking to his secre- Defensive back Donald Washington, now from 2007-08, said he was at his job work- he is. I asked him how he was doing and he tary about what they’re going to do when a member of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs ing as a personal trainer when he heard was fine.” these recruits come in. There was definitely who lettered from 2006-08, said he was the news. Although a familiar face will keep Said Jim Cordle, who was a senior during no sign that this was coming. awakened during the morning of May 30 things warm for now in interim head coach the 2009 season: “Everybody was in fairly “My take was that they were going to by a phone call from his girlfriend telling Luke Fickell, there will be a different feeling good spirits around the Woody Hayes. There settle in, they were going to fight this, and he him that Tressel had resigned. Like Homan, within the weight room, Abdallah said. Schools out for Summer

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8 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2011 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2011 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL “Obviously one of them preceded the behind them by the time the The Career Of Jim Tressel other, and Coach Tressel obviously made against Arkansas came around. Jim Tressel earned 241 wins in his 25-year career at Ohio State and a mistake in his handling of the situation,” “I think I got past that point when we Youngstown State, the second most among active Division I-A coaches behind Carpenter said. “I think he knew that and took care of that last December,” he said. Penn State’s Joe Paterno (401) at the time of his resignation. Tressel is the only acknowledged that. At the same time I chal- “If those guys had known three years back lenge anybody – people think raising one or that the actions that they did would have coach in NCAA history to win 100 games at two schools. two kids is hard. Try raising 100 kids who progressed to this, I know definitely those maybe didn’t have the parental involvement guys would have done something differ- Year School Overall Conf. Place Postseason growing up, and he tried to help them the ent. I can’t show any hate toward those 2001 Ohio State 7-5 5-3 3rd Outback Bowl (loss) best way that he could. guys because I know they’re my brothers. 2002 Ohio State 14-0 8-0 T1st Fiesta Bowl (National Champions) “Sometimes parents make mistakes as It’s a weird situation. It’s not like you can 2003 Ohio State 11-2 6-2 T2nd Fiesta Bowl (win) well. Your first inclination much of the time only like Coach Tressel or those players. 2004 Ohio State 8-4 4-4 T5th (win) is to protect your kids and that’s what Coach We’re one family all together. It’s sad that 2005 Ohio State 10-2 7-1 T1st Fiesta Bowl (win) Tress was trying to do. I think he realized everything is falling apart. Hopefully we can 2006 Ohio State 12-1 8-0 1st BCS National Championship Game (loss) after that fact that it was not the way to come back from this.” handle it.” Added Washington, “I can’t 2007 Ohio State 11-2 7-1 1st BCS National Championship Game (loss) Karsatos said that although really sit here and try to put the 2008 Ohio State 10-3 7-1 T1st Fiesta Bowl (loss) he did not necessarily blame the blame on anybody. I know there 2009 Ohio State 11-2 7-1 1st Rose Bowl (win) players, he was disappointed in were probably a bunch of things 2010 Ohio State 12-1 7-1 T1st Sugar Bowl (win) their actions. that factored into this situation. I Tressel at OSU: 106-22 (.828) Overall career record: 241-79-2 (.752) “We all make dumb mistakes, just don’t think this is the way it Big Ten games: 66-14 (.825) Record vs. Michigan: 9-1 but they should’ve known better, was supposed to happen. That’s Draft picks: 14 first round, 66 overall •• Home record: 64-7 Vs. Top 25: 37-15 for one,” he said. “You can’t be the only thing I could say about so aloof to the situation.” it.” “My first reaction was more shock,” he 85. Among the players he coached was quar- During his time in the pro- Cordle said that in time said. “Then it was extremely sad to me terback Jim Karsatos, who said he was doing gram while lettering from 1983- Tressel will be remembered because when I go to the Woody Hayes I like yard work when he received the news. 86, Karsatos said there were more for the good he accom- to see Coach Tressel there and have a warm “I’m disappointed,” he said. “I think this not compliance officers working Jim Karsatos plished during his OSU career environment where it’s a good environment. is Ohio State and everything is blown out with the team instructing them than the way it ended. I don’t know how it’s going to be now when of proportion because I think we’re losing on what was permissible by NCAA rules. “He’ll be remembered for victories and I go over there. It’s extremely shocking to a great man. Everybody has the highest There was just Bruce. the Michigan game, but more importantly I me – more sad than anything. I didn’t see it regard for him for the most part. He was my “Earle would just point his finger at us and think for the players what he meant to them coming.” coach when I played so I am in that category say, ‘Here are the rules and live by them,’ ” and the father figure he was and the great Abdallah said he had spoken with Doug as well. I think it’s a shame that he had to Karsatos said. “Coach (Woody) Hayes was humanitarian he was,” he said. “Going to Worthington, a former team captain and fel- take the brunt of the actions of others even much the same way. He laid down the law Iraq, the way that he handled the military, low defensive lineman. Homan said he had though it’s his dream job. It’s just a shame.” and if you broke it, you’re gone. They’ve got the way he emphasized being grateful for the heard from his brother Adam, a fullback on like five people now to manage these kids. men and women in the service, the commu- the roster, but no other players. Players At Fault? “They knew the rules. They’ve been told nity outreach that he made a priority there, “I’ve talked to a couple of guys,” The former Buckeye players contacted about that. We used to have a guy from the the graduation rate, the academic success of Washington said. “A lot of guys are shocked by BSB were split on how much blame FBI come in once a year and tell us, ‘Look guys – I think he’ll definitely be remembered and saddened by the news. I think it was to assign to OSU’s suspended players for out for these people.’ They had to have for all the good and not this fall from grace. shocking to everybody. It really hit a place in Tressel’s situation. known better.” “It’s sad now but his legacy will last on my heart that he resigned. It really touched Last December, the university announced Homan said the players put the situation and he’ll be remembered for that.” me.” five-game suspensions for five players while Each of Tressel’s former players con- a sixth Buckeye will miss the season opener tacted by BSB mentioned how the coach had after it was learned they had sold memora- impacted their lives in a positive manner. bilia and received free or discounted tattoos. A native of New Orleans who first arrived However, the players were still allowed to take at Ohio State as part of the 2004 recruit- part in the Sugar Bowl after the university and ing class, Abdallah and his family suffered the Big Ten lobbied on OSU’s behalf. through Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but were The fact that Tressel had been at least helped by Tressel. partially aware of the situation since last “He was able to talk to the NCAA to put April and had not reported it to his superiors my family in a house for six months, which was the primary reason he ultimately left his was covered by FEMA,” he said. “Just hav- position. ing him be able to be supportive during that whole time with my family, he was there helping me. “I remember him the most as somebody who actually, honestly cares and is genuine. He knew everything about you and your family, things that you forgot you knew about yourself. He did that much research in finding out who you are, what you know and what your family has been through.” Washington, who served a two-game suspension for apparent disciplinary rea- sons to start the 2008 season, said Tressel was there to help him through his personal struggles. “I can speak for hours on what Coach Tressel meant to me,” he said. “Regardless of my struggles here at Ohio State, Coach TIM SWANSON Tressel helped mold me into the man that I Certified Personal Trainer am today. This (current) image is not who he is. If you know Coach Tressel, he’s a man of Flat Stomach • Weight class. He’s a class act, period.” In a Sports Illustrated cover story that Loss •Strength Training went to press the same day Tressel resigned and several hours after BSB contacted him, • Cardio Kick-Boxing • Washington was alleged to have traded Boot Camp memorabilia for tattoos during his OSU career. Before landing the head coaching posi- 614-886-9331 tion at Youngstown State, Tressel served as an assistant on Earle Bruce’s staff from 1983- [email protected]

www.BuckeyeSports.com June 2011 BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN • 9 Originally Published: June 2011

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL Fickell Pushed Into Spotlight Former NG Now Leads Buckeyes that when he returned, the job would once By ADAM JARDY again be his. Buckeye Sports Bulletin Staff Writer In Brown’s stead, Carroll C. Widdoes As the 23rd head coach in Ohio State his- coached the 1944 Buckeyes to a 9-0 record tory, Luke Fickell faces a set of challenges and national runner-up finish behind Army unlike any of the other 22 who preceded thanks to the efforts of Les Horvath, who him. became the first player in program history On May 30, the OSU linebackers coach to win the Heisman Trophy. Not only that, and co-defensive coordinator was named the but Widdoes was named the national coach interim coach for the 2011 season when Jim of the year for his efforts in 1944. Tressel resigned. With the former coach Widdoes, however, assumed the respon- previously facing a five-game suspension to sibility of head coach grudgingly. open the season, Fickell had been named his “He never wanted to be the head coach,” replacement for those Saturdays but went to OSU historian Jack Park said of Widdoes. great lengths during his lone spring press “He never had any intention. He never lob- conference to reiterate that it remained bied for it. He never applied for it. I think he Tressel’s team. was just doing it as a favor.” Now Fickell has a full season to lead the Brown never returned to OSU, instead team with an uncertain future to follow. The landing the head coaching job for the team’s newest leader is only the second team in the upstart All-American interim coach for the Buckeyes since 1913 Football Conference that would eventually and the first since World War II. take on his last name. After two seasons, In 1913, John W. Wilce piloted the Widdoes had seen enough and traded Buckeyes to a 4-2-1 record and earned the positions with offensive coordinator Paul right to go on and coach for 15 more sea- Bixler. In his two seasons at the helm, JOSH WINSLOW sons. The university’s student health center Widdoes went 16-2 overall and 1-1 against NEW BOSS – Columbus native and former Ohio State nose guard Luke Fickell now bears his name after he gave stability Michigan, losing a 7-3 contest during his (foreground) will lead the Buckeyes this fall on an interim basis. to the position in need of some – the prior final season. three head coaches each lasted just one “When that (1945) season is over, at Ohio University but it was a much smaller championships and nine victories against season apiece. (Widdoes) goes to St. John and asks for profile.” rival Michigan in 10 seasons, Park said his But more recently, a reluctant man was his old job back as an assistant because Fickell will now have to wear the caps of challenge might not be on par with what thrust into the position in relief of one of the he never wanted to be the head coach,” both interim coach and replacement to one Bruce had to experience in one respect. coaching profession’s all-time greats. Park said. “It’s one of the most unusual job of the program’s most revered names. “(Bruce) was replacing a legend, and coached the Buckeyes to changes there will probably ever be in col- The Columbus native and former OSU maybe even more so (than Fickell is) the 1942 national championship and also lege football. defensive lineman may not have to look far because Woody had been here 28 years,” led OSU in 1943 before World War II got “Widdoes didn’t like the pressure of for advice. After Tressel spent three years as he said. “There were young people who in the way. Forced to leave the program to being the head coach,” Park continued. “He one of Earle Bruce’s assistants in the mid- had graduated from Ohio State that were serve his country, the 35-year-old Brown didn’t like all the media attention. He didn’t 1980s, Bruce has been a fixture around the still in their 20s. Woody was there before spent two seasons coaching the Great Lakes like having to go out all the time and speak program during Tressel’s tenure and could they were born. There were so many people Naval Station but departed Columbus with a to the alumni groups and holding press offer some guidance. Bruce was thrust into who couldn’t remember Ohio State without promise from athletic director Lynn St. John conferences. He later on was a head coach a similar situation as Fickell, when he took Woody Hayes and this was a tough thing for over from the legendary Woody Hayes in Earle, no question about it.” 1979. Bruce declined to comment for the story. SAX CAR WASH SAX CAR WASH After spending 28 years as OSU’s head Fickell will likely share one benefit with coach and amassing a program-record 205 Bruce. Like the former coach, OSU’s new victories, Hayes left the school after throw- head man figures to be able to call on his FULL-SERVICE OFF ing an infamous punch at Clemson nose predecessor for guidance when needed. WASH $3 THE WORKS guard Charlie Bauman at the tail end of Jim Karsatos, who led the Buckeyes $2 OFF the 1978 Gator Bowl. Bruce, who had been in passing as the quarterback in 1985 and (1) Full Service Car, Van or Truck an assistant under Hayes, took over and 1986, recalled seeing Hayes as a fixture at INSIDE & OUT (2) Sax Saver (3) Wheel Gloss compiled an 81-26-1 record before being practice. WINDOWS CLEANED • VACUUM • PRE PREP. (4) TRIPLE COAT NEW dismissed with one game remaining in the “Oh yeah, he was around,” Karsatos said HAND DRIED • CLEAN WHITEWALLS (5) Air Freshener 1987 season. with a laugh. “He’d sit in on meetings and be (6) Under Spray Although Fickell will have to replace a out on the field just watching and scolding. Valid with coupon only. Expires 8/31/11 Valid with coupon only. Expires 8/31/11 coach who led the Buckeyes to three nation- He wasn’t nearly as vocal as he was when he al championship games, seven Big Ten was the head coach because he wanted to

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10 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2011 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2011

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL leave that to Earle and Earle did enough of Upon his return, Fickell said he was Said Homan: “He’s so competitive. I can’t expected to include both internal and exter- his own yelling. impressed with how Tressel directed a large think of a better guy for that program. nal candidates. Many have talked about the “Coach Hayes was around a lot and still staff. Coach Fick is going to be great, great for possibility of former national championship very much involved in not only the football “Under Coach Coop, basically it was nine Ohio State, especially for this year with coach Urban Meyer taking over, but Cordle aspect but the other things we did. He was assistant coaches, two graduate assistants everything they’re going through. Everyone said Fickell has a golden opportunity to lay always invited to come join us.” and that’s just what it was,” Fickell said in knows Coach Fick is a competitive guy, a final claim to the position. Tressel’s level of involvement going for- 2007. “Our staff now is just so huge. I think hard worker and he’ll get you there.” “I’m sure personally he’ll absolutely take ward remains to be seen. In the conclusion that’s his way of making so many people be During the 2007 season, Fickell jokingly it and say, ‘This is my chance to be the next to his resignation letter, Tressel wrote that a part. told reporters that he had not heard Tressel permanent head coach at Ohio State,’ ” the he and his wife “will be Buckeyes forever.” “From the GAs to the student coaches yell at a player since Carpenter left after the lineman said. “Right now it’s hard to be However, the NCAA could limit Tressel’s to the academic people, everybody is an 2005 season. The linebackers coach said a excited, obviously, but Luke Fickell is a guy ability to be around the team for the near integral part. At staff meetings, there are coach needs only to be steady when it comes that Buckeye Nation is going to be excited future. Plus, the coach will have to balance 45 seats in there. It is unbelievable the way to his demeanor. about. being a presence without becoming a dis- that (Tressel) makes everybody seem like “It’s consistency,” he said. “It’s who you “Obviously people would get excited if traction for the team should he be allowed they are as big of a part in the whole picture are. If you are who you are all the time I they brought in Urban Meyer, but now that at practice. as the offensive coordinator, the defensive think kids will believe in you and everybody Fickell is in the spotlight I think you’ll see Park said he foresees Tressel having a coordinator. It’s an uncanny ability that will know who you are. But sometimes that and a lot of players will tell you that he’s similar role as Hayes regarding this year’s he has, and that’s why there are so many you’ve got the Jekylls and the Hydes and a guy you can be excited about.” coaching staff. people.” there are ups and there are downs. That’s Park said the Meyer situation could “I think Luke Fickell has the advantage As a lineman from 1993-96, Fickell hard for kids especially to understand.” prove to be the biggest hurdle for Fickell to that Earle had and that is that as Earle got recorded 212 career tackles including 26 for However, the differences between Tressel overcome as he tries to pilot the team this into the job, Woody Hayes was a tremen- loss and six sacks. During his senior season, and Fickell might only be skin deep. A num- season. dous mentor to him, and I’m sure that Coach Fickell landed a new position coach, Jim ber of former Buckeyes contacted for this “The one thing that might not help Luke Tressel will do the same thing for Luke,” he Heacock, who was named the defensive line story pointed out that the two share similar is there will be a lot in the press about, ‘Who said. “I think if Luke had some questions on coach after spending eight seasons as the internal values regarding faith, family and would you like to see? What about this guy? what he should be doing or how he should head coach at Illinois State. community. Urban Meyer just bought a house in Upper be handling something, I don’t think he’d The two have gone on to work closely Those attributes recently helped the Arlington,’ and all that from the rumor mill,” hesitate to pick up the phone and call him. since that season. Heacock was promoted to Buckeyes land , the nation’s he said. “I can’t imagine Jim Tressel wouldn’t do defensive coordinator for the 2005 season, top outside linebacker prospect according Carpenter pointed out that landing the everything to help Luke now in his role and the same year that Fickell was named co- to Scout.com, on National Signing Day in job on a permanent basis will not be easy. maybe try to help him become the perma- defensive coordinator. In addition, Heacock February. The Buckeyes will be without four key nent coach. They seem to have a very close continued to oversee the defensive line while “He was one of those guys that cared offensive starters for the first five games relationship.” Fickell continued as the linebackers coach about you more as a person instead of just because of suspension, and one of those after taking the role in 2004. a football player,” Grant said of Fickell after players – quarterback Terrelle Pryor – is Tressel’s Influence Although the two have admitted to butt- his commitment. “Every week, we would reportedly being investigated by the NCAA When Ohio State said goodbye to the ing heads occasionally, Heacock said he rarely talk about football. It was always and OSU. 2008 season, it also waved farewell to a sees some of the same traits in Fickell as a about getting to know each other and how “He’s been put in probably one of the celebrated class of seniors. With James coach that he displayed as a player. he was going to improve our relationship as most difficult situations, so if he shows that Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, Malcolm “He didn’t get very flowery and he didn’t far as two human beings if he was going to he can handle it I definitely will back him Jenkins and others all having exhausted get a lot of praise,” Heacock said prior to be my coach.” until the end,” Carpenter said. “He’s a great their eligibility, Fickell had the chance to the 2007 national championship game. “He When the season is over, the univer- guy and he knows exactly what to do with follow them out the door and nab another just got down in the trenches and dug it out sity is planning to launch a coaching search this program.” high-profile job. there. You could always count on him to take Viewed as a rising star in the coaching on the double team. As you go through his profession, Fickell was fielding a number senior year, he never got much credit but he of serious overtures for open positions. Pre- got in there and he battled. eminent among them was the defensive “You could always count on him, and coordinator job at Notre Dame, where the that’s how he is as a coach. He’s going to former OSU lineman was widely pegged as get in there and battle. He’s going to coach the front-runner. those linebackers and he’s going to work However, as the Buckeyes welcomed in hard at it and he’s going to be down there the nation’s top recruiting class on National at 5 o’clock in the morning studying film. Join Signing Day a little more than one month That’s why when I talk about our defensive Craig after the season ended, Fickell was stand- team on our staff, Luke does every bit as Krenzel! st ing outside the team meeting room in the much as I do or anyone else does.” Book before May 31 and hallway of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center Save $100 per person telling a few reporters why he had opted to Cut From A Different Vest turn down the Fighting Irish and remain at Bobby Carpenter, a second-team All-Big his current position under Tressel. Ten linebacker during his senior season at “It is what it is, and I’m excited,” he said OSU in 2005, said his former position coach Feb. 4, 2009. “If you ever do make a change paints a different portrait than the man he is in your life, I think the hardest thing is walk- replacing in at least one area. ing away from the people that you’ve got “Luke’s a defensive guy and Tress is an to know so well and the guys that you’ve offensive guy,” he told BSB. “Defensive guys counted on, and hopefully they count on are a little more intense and in your face. you. Someday if it ever happens it won’t be Tress is a little more cerebral and always easy, especially when you’ve got the kind of looks at the big picture. He’s very calculated relationships that you do have.” with his approach. Luke might be a little Earlier, during the regular season, more no-nonsense, and it’s ‘my way or the Tressel was asked about Fickell’s prospects highway’ a little bit.” of becoming a head coach in the future. Former OSU offensive lineman Jim “We talk about those things in the off- Cordle said that difference will likely be season a lot with all the guys,” he said Oct. noticeable on the sidelines this fall in Ohio 2, 2008. “I think Luke’s got a lot of ability Stadium. and a lot of passion. He does a good job in “They called him Senator (Tressel) for every facet of the game – the X and O phase, a reason,” Cordle said. “They’re definitely the recruiting phase, the player relationship almost opposites in the way that they show phase.” their personality.” After his playing career came to a close, Asked if Fickell is more intense than Fickell moved into coaching with a one- Tressel, former OSU cornerback Donald year stint as a graduate assistant for head Washington said, “No doubt. That’s why coach John Cooper in 1999 before spending he’s the linebackers coach. (Ross Homan) two seasons as the defensive line coach at could tell you – Coach Fickell is a very Akron. He returned to Columbus for the aggressive coach. He just knows how to get 2002 season and served as Tressel’s special the most out of his players. It will be good teams coach for two years. for the team.” www.BuckeyeSports.com June 2011 BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN • 11 Originally Published: June 2011

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL Local, National Columnists Not Very Forgiving you deal with those bad decisions; how officials unearthed incriminating e-mails “He was The Senator. The light in the By MARCUS HARTMAN you show who you are when no one is and phone records in the coach’s cover-up darkness. The one who didn’t have to stoop Buckeye Sports Bulletin Staff Writer looking. When you’re sitting at your desk of the memorabilia sale scandal. It was as low as his peers. Even Tressel’s choice National reaction to Jim Tressel’s resig- during a mundane offseason and receive deliberate. It was a calculated attempt to of signature garment screamed piety. A nation May 30 was predictably fast, furious an e-mail explaining key players have sold evade the rules by playing ineligible play- sweater vest says, ‘I’ll have your daughter and generally unforgiving. irreplaceable mementos and memorabilia ers. Woody Hayes was a genuine educator home by nine, sir.’ A sweater vest says, ‘I’ll Tressel was the focus of most of the for cash and tattoos. Instead of simply who was brought down by his emotions. be in the first pew in church on Sunday.’ A spilled ink, but he was not alone in the forwarding the e-mail to his superiors, His fall was almost preordained by highly sweater vest says, ‘I’ll abide by my contract crosshairs. Many took University presi- instead of forging ahead in the 2010 season public tantrums in the past. … and the rules that govern my profession.’ dent Dr. E. Gordon Gee and director of without the star players and doing what’s “Of course Tressel, like Hayes, was not “By accepting Tressel’s resignation athletics Gene Smith to task as well for right, Tressel’s spotless career is now without flaws. Neither angel nor demon, Monday, it’s clear Ohio State will try to their handling of the situation beginning in some Shakespearean tragedy.” Tressel is only a human being. Still, on spin a narrative that turns the new revela- December and continuing with an ill-fated the question of his active involvement in tions into a Jim Tressel problem and stops press conference March 8. • Bob Hunter, Columbus Dispatch: a major ethics scandal, he is really, most the bleeding at the August hearing. So A sampling of what the nation’s com- “In the court of public opinion, the six sincerely guilty. Many coaches in the past months after his employer revealed the lies mentators had to say follows. offending players (including quarterback probably handled player violations in the that shattered a reputation that didn’t quite Terrelle Pryor) have pretty much been same way. But the times have changed, fit the facts, Tressel proved just how much • Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati given a free pass since the news broke last and the mania to say ‘Gotcha!’ in the media he loves Ohio State. Monday, Tressel made Enquirer: “Some of us rooted for Monday December. They were given their suspen- has intensified. The time for Tressel’s own the ultimate declaration of loyalty to the to come. Not because Tressel is inherently sions, and it was done. It’s not, though. accountability arrived today. That such school he served so well by making all of evil or ran a crooked program but because Because of their actions, the program grubby, small violations by his players led Ohio State’s problems his own.” he posited himself as anti-evil and anti- these players say they love is under serious to Tressel’s resignation saddens those of crooked. And we believed him. ... scrutiny. It could be facing stiff sanctions, us who liked and admired him. A good man • Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports: “Here in hybrid-Ohio, ambivalence maybe the loss of scholarships and bowl in many ways, Tressel had to pay with the “Tressel made a grave mistake by not nip- rules. Our sports loyalties are as divided eligibility, sanctions that could set it back things he valued most, outside his family ping this entire story in the bud in April 2010. as Mason and Dixon. The rest of the state for two or three years, if not more. Because and his faith – his job and his reputation.” Violations happen on every campus, it’s how caught pneumonia Monday when Ohio of their actions, the coach they have con- you respond that counts. In this case, the State announced Tressel’s resignation. tinually lauded made some missteps of his • Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch: players would’ve missed some games and Around here, we sneezed. The message own and was given a shove out the door.” “Ancient Greek literature dubbed it the Ohio State would’ve churned on. Gee and wasn’t lost on us, though. We’ve seen an tragic flaw, a personality trait that leads to Smith made a similar error by not getting iconic college coach be forced to resign. • Adam Jacobi, CBSSports.com: a person’s downfall. Ultimately, Tressel’s serious about this first in December and The difference was, Bob Huggins didn’t “The situation’s not quite over yet, but tendency to micro-manage may have been then again in March. Ohio State has done sell us on his righteousness. What you saw what amount of punishment would make his undoing. In contrast to the man he some self-reporting, including Tressel’s e- was what you got. Huggins was good that Tressel’s 10-year tenure not worth it to replaced – (John) Cooper was brought mails. It hasn’t nearly been serious enough. way. Far better than the man in Columbus, Ohio State? After all, the entire point of down in part by a hands-off approach Gee is the highest-paid university president who today looks as sincere as the sleeves college football is to play for national cham- that allowed his detractors to accuse him in the country. Smith is the highest-paid ath- on his vest.” pionships and to beat the living daylights of losing control of his players – Tressel letic director. Crisis management isn’t easy, out of your rivals, and Jim Tressel did that tried to do it all himself. So when e-mails but that’s what they’re each paid around $1.5 • Pat Forde, ESPN.com: “The fans in spades. Even if the NCAA hands down hit his inbox with troubling reports that million to do. The NCAA’s original inves- rejoicing around the Big Ten on Monday a postseason ban of a couple years – and should have been shared with his superi- tigation centered exclusively on Tressel’s makes clear how thoroughly Tressel had there’s not a whole lot about this situation ors, Tressel instead kept the information mistake. As more and more dirt comes out, dominated the league. His tenure was a right now that appears to warrant such a mainly to himself, forwarding it to the it can – and likely will – begin a second inves- spectacular success on the field. But there ban – is that really enough to put a cloud hometown mentor of Pryor. When Tressel tigation. It’s a snowball effect and there is no will be an enduring and justifiable taint of shame over the Tressel Era forever? denied knowledge of the incriminating reason to think the media is going to stop to Tressel. This is a guy who has always Would no college football fan endure two e-mail contents – OSU players were trad- looking now. talked skillfully about doing all the right years’ probation for 106-22 in the 10 years ing memorabilia for money and tattoo “This is what will be most painful for things, but hasn’t walked it very well. He prior?” discounts – the road to ruin was freshly Ohio State. This is the willful turning of a won big and was dogged by NCAA viola- paved.” simple case (the original tip) into a major tions at Youngstown State in the 1990s. • Doug Lesmerises, The (Cleveland) one (Tressel’s cover-up) into potentially Now the same is true at Ohio State. Plain Dealer: “Tressel’s resignation • Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon a monster (any ensuing violations). It’s a “And now Tressel has been forced out on Monday is not Pryor’s fault. But the Journal: “Unfortunately, Tressel’s stun- series of self-inflicted wounds.” of his dream job, one of the top five Tressel-Pryor relationship is one of its root ning denouement will obscure all the good in America. If he’s honest with himself, causes. Though Tressel is done, Pryor’s he has done. Recently he had his players • Jason Whitlock, FoxSports.com: Tressel must wonder today how much Ohio State career continues, his senior sea- write postcards to Ryan Anderson, the “According to Sports Illustrated’s narra- easier life would have been if he’d just done son to be filled not with a Heisman Trophy Kent Roosevelt offensive lineman who is tive, Tressel is the Jimmy Swaggart of the right thing when he got that first e-mail run but a perhaps awkward return after his battling cancer. There are hundreds of sto- football coaches, a willfully ignorant, pious warning him that his players were break- current five-game suspension. He’ll return ries like that from fans and players Tressel hypocrite. Tressel pretended to have virtue ing the rules. But this has been a lie-and- under interim coach Luke Fickell, whom inspired. … when all he really cared about was winning deny operation from the beginning, and some suspect may provide more across- “In his final hour, Smith chose to football games. I naively thought that act now it ends with Jim Tressel’s meticulously the-board discipline, and to an OSU fan remember Tressel as an educator as much was a requirement for all college coaches. polished reputation in tatters.” base that may be uncertain of how to greet as a humanitarian and a winner. Better But Tressel’s critics are outraged because him. While Pryor has led the Buckeyes than as a hypocrite or cheater, I guess. he pulled off the act better than Bob • Teddy Greenstein, Chicago to three Big Ten titles, three wins over Most of his players will still view Tressel Stoops, Urban Meyer, , Tribune: “Tressel became a powerful and Michigan, a 31-4 record as a starter and as a father figure who taught them how to Roy Williams, , , Vivian curious force at Ohio State. I often won- wins in the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, be men and what was important in life. But Stringer, Bo Pelini ... I could go on and dered: Was he truly the straitlaced and some fans will remember him most for this somewhere along the way, Tressel lost the on. mild-mannered man he appeared to be day. … Pryor made his mistakes, that we crux of his own message. In his book, ‘The “I like coaches. I respect coaches. They amid a profession of frothing lunatics? know. But Pryor didn’t make Tressel keep Winners Manual,’ the first quote under taught me several life lessons that remain Or was it an act? Tressel was the master them a secret. Tressel chose that course. the chapter titled ‘Responsibility’ came with me to this day. But I’m not stupid of letting damaging charges slide off his And for that, Terrelle Pryor will always be from Mark Twain: ‘When in doubt, tell the about what motivates them. They want to back. … The man had a knack for avoiding part of the end of Jim Tressel.” truth.’ ” win. They want to earn. And they hope pressure like his prized and troublesome they help more kids than they hurt while quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, shakes the • Bill Livingston, The Plain Dealer: • Andy Staples, Sports Illustrated: they’re winning and earning. Jim Tressel blitz. But this time, there was no escape. “The greatest football coach at Ohio State “Why, after Tressel admitted in March is not special. He’s not particularly sinister Like Woody Hayes, Tressel leaves Ohio since Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel leaves that he played ineligible players and lied or fraudulent. He’s an executive in a major State with his reputation in tatters.” under the cloud of scandal, just as Hayes to the NCAA about it, did people still rush industry who is taking the fall so the lie did in 1978. The difference between the to his defense, claiming him an otherwise can continue long enough for the major • Matt Hayes, Sporting News: “What two is that Hayes was fired after he lost perfect coach who made one little mistake? players to come up with a new batch of lies. we have here is a disturbing, debilitat- his temper and threw a punch in the Gator Because Tressel, Ohio State and a compli- Tressel, Bruce Pearl and probably a few ing systemic problem. This isn’t just bad Bowl on national television at a Clemson ant media – yes, I’m just as guilty as the coaches I can’t remember right now lied to kids making bad decisions; that happens player named Charlie Bauman. Tressel’s other two parties – sold that narrative so the NCAA about NCAA rules. Oh, the hor- at every university in America. It’s how wrongdoing was private until Ohio State well. ror. A prostitute lied to her pimp.” 12 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2011 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2011

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL Fans Disappointed, Not Surprised By Resignation make their schools millions of dollars are He played soccer for two seasons at been dragged through the mud. He has a By CRAIG MERZ draconian and naive and serve only to make Michigan before being drafted by the huge chunk of offensive starters suspend- Buckeye Sports Bulletin Staff Writer certain that there will be major infractions Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer in ed, so it feels like if he gets the team to a Imagine not only being an Ohio State every few years.” January. bowl game he’ll have done a tremendous graduate living in Michigan but having Ohio State fan Mike Flickinger of Dublin, Ever since, the Wolverine in the heart of job.” one brother who went to the University of Ohio, wondered what took so long for Tressel Buckeye country has been good-naturedly Mayo said nothing can be decided until Michigan and another to Michigan State. to leave. jabbing Ohio State followers the NCAA investigation is over and possible That’s the case for Irvin Meram, OSU “In the end I think Tressel had through Twitter. Some view his further sanctions are delivered. class of 2003. And, yes, he has received some to go, and I think OSU did him a jokes as fun, others not so much, “If they give Ohio State two or three years grief from his siblings in light of football solid by letting him resign rather but he still admires Tressel. (probation) who’s going to want to come coach Jim Tressel’s resignation May 30 and than sacking him,” he said. ”I “He was a great coach,” Justin here?” he said. “I don’t think anyone would the continuing investigation into the pro- honestly can’t believe the school Meram said. “His record speaks want to come here if they can’t recruit, can’t gram for NCAA violations. let it go as long as they did. If I for itself. Obviously they were 7-1 play in bowl games.” But Meram, who returned to his home- were an OSU grad – I’m really against us the past eight years. Whatever happens, support for the school town of Shelby Township, Mich., recently a proud Dayton Flyer – I would Some foolish acts happened. I and the football program won’t wane. after living in Arizona for three years, said have been complaining to some- feel it shouldn’t all be blamed on “You love Ohio State,” Irvin Meram said. the ribbing is not too bad because, “At the one at the school, asking why the coach. “You live, die, breathe scarlet and gray. It’s same time, I’ve been digging at them for they continued to employ some- “I’m not an Ohio State fan but never going to change regardless of the one who lied to the administra- I still respect the man and what scandal.” the last eight years. They were never able to Gene Smith really talk.” tion and caused an entire school he did for the program. I’m sure Vestfals said, “It’s still my alma mater and Tressel’s domination in the Big Ten, par- to become a national sports punch line. he is going to coach somewhere else and they’re still in my blood.” ticularly a 9-1 mark against Michigan, has “I think there is plenty of blame to go have great success.” Ahnmark also remains a loyal fan, but he been a sore point among Meram’s buddies around. It starts, in my opinion, with the While former Florida coach Urban Meyer has a wish. for years, and now that the Buckeyes have players. I know that coaches are supposed heads the list of potential candidates to be “It makes me long for the days when admitted to numerous infractions he’s vul- to ‘control’ their programs, but it’s an impos- the next permanent head coach after Luke about the worst anything ever said about nerable to their criticism. sible task to ask coaches and their staffs to Fickell coaches the Buckeyes this fall, the Ohio State was that they couldn’t win big “It’s a tough thing to swallow, especially have a firm grasp of what 100-plus players fans interviewed were divided. games,” he said. “That looks real good right being a Michigan kid who went to Ohio are doing, all of them supposedly adults “Urban Meyer is a bad idea, I think,” now. To sit here knowing we got that huge State,” he said. “All my friends are Michigan and many of them legally old enough to Ahnmark said. “We don’t need anybody with win against the SEC (Arkansas) in the Sugar alums or Michigan State fans so I take a lot get themselves into actual trouble. Everyone health issues and the constant parade wheth- Bowl and it was done with ineligible players of heat for everything that happens at Ohio wants to labels these guys as ‘kids,’ but if er he is retiring or not. The tough thing is in and a coach who shouldn’t have been there State. they didn’t know any better, then I don’t my outrage I’m thinking they need to bring – that nullifies that game. “It’s nothing new. Part of being an alum- know what to say.” in somebody who is strict and a disciplinar- “It’s meaningless, but I don’t know who nus of Ohio State or being associated with Brian Ahnmark did not go to Ohio State ian who’s really tough, really pure. the heck else I’d root for in college foot- the university is they love to hate us. As soon but is immersed in the school through his “Then I remember that’s what Tressel ball.” as one thing goes wrong it’s blown out all parents, both OSU graduates. was supposed to be. He was the over the place.” He lives not far from campus guy who was supposed to be the He and other OSU fans interviewed in in Upper Arlington after having Boy Scout. He was the one who the wake of Tressel’s departure expressed moved back to the area from was going to teach them right admiration for the coach but said it was time Arizona. from wrong. He was the one with for him to go and that athletic director Gene He understands the temp- the book.” Smith and president E. Gordon Gee likely tations facing the athletes Said Vestfals, “Honestly, I’m gave him an ultimatum. to receive illegal perks or get still a bit numb about it all. I’d “It had to be done,” said Michael Mayo, money for selling memorabilia, like to see if Fickell can do a a 1980 graduate living in Bexley, Ohio. but said that doesn’t make it good enough job with a dam- “Evidently the president and athletic direc- right. aged program to earn a long- tor, with the information they got, they felt “It’s laid out very clear what term contract. Outside of that, I you are and are not allowed to don’t really know. I do not want having Tressel around was hurting their E. Gordon Gee image. They tried to distance themselves. do,” he said. “I have family mem- Meyer.” They probably said if you don’t resign we’ll bers who played Division I sports. When the Irvin Meram disagreed. fire you. That would be my guess. whole thing broke and (the football players) “Urban Meyer would do wonderful for “You can blame everybody. It’s amazing were allowed to play in the (Sugar Bowl) them,” he said. “I think he definitely would to me that the athletic department acts like because they said they weren’t properly edu- fit in the Big Ten being an Ohio guy. they didn’t know anything was going on. cated, that rang really hollow. “It would be great to see him there When I was in college I saw what was going “Those couple of cousins of mine who because you know what he did in Florida. on. Everybody knows these guys are getting played Division I sports, they literally couldn’t He’s a coach who would draw recruits. stuff. It’s not only Ohio State. It’s every uni- hammer it home enough to them that it’s not I know he had issues in the past, as all versity in the country.” OK to do this stuff. The thing that really makes coaches do, but with everything that hap- Meram felt the same way, adding, “You me sad now is the way Tressel told these kids pened with Tressel he would try to clean the knew the program had its flaws pretty much they could play in the bowl game only if they program up and meet the standards and he for years. Even when I was going there, came back for their senior season. has the ability to do that.” there were players driving nice cars. My “I’m thinking, ‘Wow, what a stand-up guy. Others would like to see how Fickell friends who are alumni of Ohio State aren’t What a father figure and leader he is.’ I feel fares. shocked by what’s happening now.” duped.” “I think that Luke Fickell has one of the Jason Vestfals, who graduated 10 years Flickinger agreed, saying, “I find the greatest opportunities ever,” Flickinger ago and lives in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, whole situation, frankly, disappointing and said. “He’s taking over a program that’s said the resignation “regrettably was off-putting. I was disappointed in how OSU necessary. Tressel had to fall on his sword, handled the initial blowup – the players even if there really was little to no active part being suspended prior to the Sugar Bowl. he played in all of this. There was no way he “As an OSU fan I obviously wanted them could have hung on, and the athletic depart- to win the Sugar Bowl and also beat an SEC ment likely forced his hand.” school, but I thought that the school – and He went on to say that Tressel is among the program – missed a fantastic opportunity many at fault. to show they didn’t stand for such actions “I know a lot of people will say that and suspend the players for the bowl game. I it’s all on Tressel and Smith and (former know that OSU wasn’t solely responsible for AD Andy) Geiger, and to some extent that the start of the suspensions, but I think they might be true,” Vestfals said. ”But none of could have made a bold statement.” this happens if the NCAA doesn’t put every While Tressel is taking a lot of heat from big school in an impossible situation with the fans, he found an unlikely ally in Irvin their pretense of amateurism. The rules at Meram’s brother, Justin, who has a unique the NCAA regarding student-athletes who perspective. www.BuckeyeSports.com June 2011 BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN • 13 Originally Published: June 2011 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING Coaching Change Has Not Cost OSU Commits effort to keep his options open should the Around 3 p.m. that day, he placed a call to immediately placed a phone call to OSU By ADAM JARDY NCAA levy heavy penalties on Ohio State. Fickell to give him the news. cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson. Buckeye Sports Bulletin Staff Writer “I’m just waiting for more Forty-five minutes later, “He sounded like he still thinks they When Luke Fickell was named the information,” he told BSB a few the team’s new coach had will have a good season,” Powell said. “He hours after word of Tressel’s convinced the 6-5, 305- didn’t want it to bother anybody. It didn’t interim coach for the 2011 football sea- SCOUT.COM son, he inherited a seven-person recruit- resignation went public. “I’m pound tackle to stick with sound like it really bothered him – he was ing class headlined by a pair of five-star going to wait until August and the program. still really focused on the season.” recruits from Ohio. It took some serious see where they will be at as “The only way I’d go to Given the fact that they did not offer work on his part, but both had publicly far as coaching-wise and see if Ohio State is if Coach Fick a scholarship until May, the Buckeyes declared their plans to remain on board they’re going to miss any bowl is the coach,” he told The have not been heavily recruiting Powell within 36 hours of former head coach Jim games.” (Cleveland) Plain Dealer. for long. Although his conversations with Tressel’s resignation. Asked what needs to hap- “I know him pretty well. Tressel had mostly been short, Powell said Offensive tackle from pen to keep him committed to He knows the way I’m a the coach hinted that something could be Lakewood St. Edward and running back the Buckeyes, the running back fighter and I don’t give up in the offing. Bri’onte Dunn from Canton GlenOak are said, “(They need to get) a real Kyle Kalis on things. He said he went “I was shocked (at first),” he said. still planning on becoming Buckeyes good coach and no bowl games through the same thing in “Then I remembered he said he would when they can sign with the program in missing.” college and ended up going to Ohio State, leave if he felt that he was hurting the February. Dunn said he has never met Fickell. As and he said if I go to Ohio State, it will be kids. I guess he’s looking out for the kids At least, that is the plan for now con- for his thoughts on Tressel stepping down, the best decision of my life. and he’s doing what he feels is right for cerning Dunn. The 6-1, 215-pound athlete Dunn said, “It’s hard. I really liked him. “He knew what I knew, that I wanted to the kids so I don’t really fault him. is rated the nation’s No. 5 running back It’s hard to see him leave.” be a Buckeye.” “We had a good relationship from the prospect and the No. 29 player overall The running back said he was asleep A product of Columbus DeSales, Fickell times I saw him. We always had a couple in the class by Scout.com. He issued a when the news broke. He was awakened joined the Buckeyes and redshirted dur- of laughs.” verbal commitment to the Buckeyes on by his grandmother, who told him to turn ing the 1992 season before spending four Although his phone had mostly been Sept. 27, 2010, but has somewhat opened on the television. years as a nose guard. silent since the news broke, Powell said all his recruitment in recent weeks as the As a junior, Dunn earned all-state hon- “I see myself as a very loyal guy,” Kalis was not quiet in his world. program has faced NCAA sanctions and an ors after picking up 2,030 yards and 22 said. “The person I committed to was “A couple of coaches hit me up on uncertain future. touchdowns on 358 carries. Coach Tressel, and with Coach Tressel Facebook from other schools,” he said. Rising on the list of potential suitors About one hour north of Dunn’s home- gone, I felt like I had no other option than Asked if he was surprised, Powell said, is Michigan, which has issued Dunn a town, Kalis had made up his mind. He to decommit.” “Not at all. I was expecting it.” scholarship offer and landed an on-campus was ready to decommit from the program As the news of Tressel’s resignation Blake Thomas, the final player to issue unofficial visit. The trip was part of Dunn’s and look elsewhere for a college home. began to circulate, Kalis decided to call a verbal commitment to Tressel, told the former coach. Greene that the news had not affected his “We talked for about 15 minutes,” the thoughts on the Buckeyes. lineman said. “His spirits were pretty high. “I was really shocked by the news this He didn’t want me to worry about him. He morning,” Thomas said May 30. “I thought said, ‘Now that I’m gone, I’m just one of this might be coming with everything that those old guys.’ He said that he only lives has been in the media lately, but I cer- 12 miles away (from the OSU campus) and tainly never expected it to happen at this I should stop and see him anytime.” time. It does not bother me in terms of my Meanwhile, Kalis’ phone was constant- BE THERE IN THE BEGINNING TO WATCH THE BUCKEYES commitment to Ohio State. ly ringing. “People need to realize that Ohio State AND CORNHUSKERS START A NEW BIG 10 RIVALRY! “My first thought was shock,” he said. is a lot bigger than the football coach. I “My heart sank and my stomach started know I will be surrounded by great people hurting. I turned my phone off and went there, and Tressel’s decision has no bear- back to bed. I had 87 missed calls from all ing on my decision to go there. I know over, the New York Times, ESPN. I didn’t they will continue to play great football, OCTOBER 7-9 2011 Join return one of them. I thought it would be and I’m going to get a great education.” Craig x 2 nights at the Hilton Garden Inn – Omaha East/Council Bluffs Krenzel! disrespectful, like I was talking behind Three-star wide receiver Frank (attached to the Horseshoe Casino) Coach Tressel’s back. Epitropoulos from Upper Arlington, Ohio, x Game Ticket to the Ohio State Nebraska game at Memorial Stadium “I’m not sure how this happened, but it landed an offer from the Buckeyes in early x Full American breakfast daily including tax and gratuity happened.” March and committed to the program fol- x Round trip airfare from Columbus to Omaha lowing the spring game. x Round trip airport and game transfers Class Holding Steady “This has no affect on my recruitment x Fully Escorted by Travel Partners Staff Fickell added another commitment two whatsoever,” he said. “I’m sorry for Coach x Hotel tax and baggage handling days later when Bedford, Ohio, defensive Tressel, but I remain committed.” x Drivers prepaid gratuities back issued his pledge. The 6-3, 195-pound Epitropoulos also x Commemorative Gift “They need some positivity to come held scholarship offers from Michigan through there and I’m only a positive State, Wisconsin, Stanford and West $1199 per person based on double occupancy person,” Powell told BuckeyeSports.com Virginia, among others. $1299 single, $1159 triple-per person, and $1099 Quad-per person recruiting analyst Bill Greene after he Shortly after he heard the news, four- committed. “Football will still be football star running back prospect and OSU ver- without Jim (Tressel). Yes, he did do some bal commitment Warren Ball received Land Only: $699 per person based on double occupancy. $799 single, great things for the university. Yes, he did a phone call from safeties coach Paul $659 triple, and $609 quad. Does NOT include roundtrip airport transfers or air. do some great things for Ohio football. Haynes. He’s a great man and a great character “He told me, ‘Ohio State is still Ohio guy. State and it’s still the school you want to “It’s going to be tough without him, but go to,’ ” Ball told BSB. “It’s still a great I think Ohio State football will still be Ohio place. As far as me, nothing’s changed. State football.” “Ohio State is my dream school that I After landing a scholarship offer from want to go to, and I don’t see anything that the Buckeyes on May 24, Powell quick- could change that.” ly set plans to announce his commit- Ball, rated the nation’s No. 8 running ment and settled on June 1. A few hours back prospect and No. 52 player over- after Tressel’s resignation, he told BSB all, issued his verbal commitment to the that nothing had changed and that the Buckeyes on Sept. 1, 2010. He was the sec- announcement was still on. ond recruit to pledge for the class of 2012. Powell was working out on the football A central Ohio native, Ball preps at field with his head coach, Sean Williams, Fickell’s alma mater. Ball said he already when the coach’s wife sent a text mes- has a natural comfort level with Fickell sage delivering the Tressel news. The duo owing to their shared schooling experi- then looked it up on Twitter and Powell ence. 14 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2011 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2011

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING The running back also pointed out that tion,” he told Scout. “We’ll see how it goes. especially the assistant coaches that are Scout that he still sees opportunity in his reason for picking the Buckeyes had The new coach is Coach Fickell. He’s a recruiting me. Columbus. little to do with who was in charge. good guy and he’s been recruiting me. I “Ohio State football will always be Ohio “It rattled Ohio State, but the opportu- “You look back at the tradition that have a pretty good relationship with him. State football, regardless of who the head nity at Ohio State is still there,” he said. Ohio State has and what it’s been able to We’ll see how it goes. It would’ve been an coach is. The tradition will always be there, “There’s an opportunity to play early. They produce, not only athletes but people in honor to play for Coach Tressel at Ohio even if the scheme or system changes. As don’t have that much depth.” general,” he said. “It sets you up for a very State.” far as Coach Tressel, I still think of him as Listed at 6-6, 290 pounds, Diamond is successful future. Ohio State is The Buckeyes remain a great man and I feel really bad for what rated the No. 9 prospect nationally at his a very great place to go.” one of his top schools, how- happened.” position. He also holds offers from more Still, Ball said he was taken ever. Odenigbo said OSU, Listed at 6-1, 194 pounds, Diggs took than two dozen schools including Michigan, aback when the news began SCOUT.COM Northwestern, Notre Dame in OSU’s spring game and left Columbus Wisconsin, Auburn and Florida State. scrolling on ESPN as he and Stanford are the four listing the Buckeyes among his favorites. “Coach Tressel, he was a great person,” watched. schools in which he has the He also holds offers from Auburn, Illinois, he said. “We had a good conversation “It was pretty shocking,” he most interest. Michigan State and Nebraska, among a every time we talked, even when I went said. “I know Tressel is a very Last season, Odenigbo number of others. down there face-to-face. He was a good great guy and a very high-char- lined up alongside Michael Since the visit, Diggs said he had guy. That surprised me.” acter guy with great tradition. Bennett, who will be a fresh- been in regular contact with the OSU Finally, one of OSU’s top early targets I was very surprised, but what man defensive lineman with coaches. for the class of 2013 remains interested can you do about it?” the Buckeyes this season. “I’m still considering Ohio State and it in the program. Safety Cameron Burrows Listed at 6-2, 200 pounds, While participating in the hurts to think I won’t have the chance to from Trotwood (Ohio) Madison said he Warren Ball Ball also held scholarship offers state track finals, Bennett play for Coach Tressel if I went will attend a summer camp from Iowa, Notre Dame and Wisconsin, told BSB that he is not sure of Odenigbo’s there, but I have a good rela- on campus this season. among others. plans. tionship with Coach Johnson “I’ve been a fan of them SCOUT.COM While competing in the state track “I would love for him to come to and Coach Haynes,” he said since I was little,” he said. finals during the ensuing weekend, four- the Buckeyes, but if he doesn’t want to May 31. “I spoke to Coach “I’ve always had an interest star outside linebacker prospect Joshua I’m not going to give him crap for it,” Johnson a few days ago, and to play for them. I love the Perry said he had talked with Fickell, who he said. “Wherever he’s most comfort- things are good between us. game atmosphere. I went to had been involved in his recruitment as able.” “I definitely like Ohio State, one of their bowl game prac- the linebackers coach. Ohio State is not on a list of schools but I’m going to sit back and tices. I would have loved “He’s a great guy,” Perry said. “He Odenigbo plans on visiting this summer, a see what happens going for- to play for Coach Tressel, recruited me and I’m looking forward to list that includes Northwestern, California, ward. I’m still hearing from but it doesn’t really change seeing what he can do. He told me every- Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre a lot of schools and I’m con- my feelings for them that Dame and Stanford. sidering all my options. I will much.” thing’s all right and I’m going to go with Jordan Diamond his word. I’m going to be a Buckeye.” His hope is to make a decision after probably be talking to the Ohio The Buckeyes have The standout from Lewis Center (Ohio) having taken some visits. State coaches in the next few days, and I already offered the 6-2, 195-pound Burrows Olentangy was the first player to join “We’ll see how it goes,” Odenigbo said. am definitely still interested in them.” a scholarship. the class, issuing his verbal “If there’s a clear favorite, Jordan Diamond, a four-star offen- BSB staff writer Marcus Hartman con- commitment June 29, 2010. I’ll make my decision and sive tackle from Chicago Simeon, told tributed to this report. Perry said he considered ask- I’m not going back. If I can’t SCOUT.COM ing about the plan to fill the make a decision, I’ll wait till You Can Count On These Services From linebacker coaching position my season is over and make but opted against doing so. a decision then.” “It’s hard to decommit,” he Outside of Ohio, three-star THE QUICKPRINT CENTRE said. “The only other schools safety prospect Jordan Diggs 1399 GRANDVIEW AVENUE • COLUMBUS, OHIO 43212 out there are probably like from Cape Coral (Fla.) Island LSU or Stanford, and those Coast said he is still consider- 614-488-2683 • FAX 614-488-0059 • [email protected] are way out there. I haven’t ing the Buckeyes. even been in touch with them “I was definitely shocked Offset-Printing Digital Color Copies Digital B&W Copies since last year, so Ohio State when I heard the news about Typesetting Ship UPS Rubber Stamps Jordan Diggs is the best bet for me. Coach Tressel,” he told NCR Forms Fax Service Business Cards “I like the system that they have. They Greene one day after Tressel’s resignation. Laminating Announcements Binding have a great staff. Coach Fickell did a great “Right now, I’m still interested in Ohio job with recruiting, and you always get State and like everyone else I’m going to Brochures Wedding Invitations Labels good guys going to Ohio State so I knew wait to see who the next head coach will ...a full service graphics facility I’d be playing with some good guys.” be. I want to see what happens to the staff, Multiple attempts to reach Pickerington (Ohio) Central offensive lineman Jacoby Boren and head coach Jay Sharrett were unsuccessful. Boren, a three-star prospect, became the third member of his family to commit to the Buckeyes when he did so Dec. 4, 2010.

Others On Fence With the current group of verbal com- mitments in the fold for now, Fickell must turn his attention toward filling out the class of 2012. Early results have been var- ied but it appears that the coaches have their work cut out for them as they attempt to land another highly ranked class. The Buckeyes have been viewed as one of the leaders for the services of four-star outside linebacker Ifeadi Odenigbo, but the loss of Tressel appears to have put the program at a disadvantage. A relative neophyte both to the game and to the recruiting process, the 6-3½, 217-pound defender from Centerville, Ohio, has often talked about how important off-the-field aspects will be when it comes to making a decision. In that regard, losing Tressel has made Odenigbo think twice about the Buckeyes. “To be honest, it does affect my situa- www.BuckeyeSports.com June 2011 BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN • 15 Originally Published: June 2011

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING Incoming Freshmen Want To Make Tressel Proud state track meet, too, and declared it the end in the discus throw. “If he did those things, were in agreement on something else – their By MARCUS HARTMAN of a crazy week. he did them for a reason. I know it’s against belief Tressel has unfairly taken too much Buckeye Sports Bulletin Staff Writer “Everybody – family, media, friends – was the rules, but I support him until the end.” criticism in the press. Most members of Ohio State’s incoming calling me and wanting to know what’s going While the confidence of recruits from “I don’t like all the negative talk about class of football freshmen chose to stay mum on, asking if I was leaving or not,” he said Ohio probably comes as little surprise to him,” said. “Everybody wants to on the topic of Jim Tressel’s May 30 resigna- after helping the Fighting Irish 4x200-meter most, a pair of soon-to-be Buckeyes from out blame everything on him, saying, ‘Tressel’s a tion, but a handful who did go on the record relay team to a state championship and an of state shared similar views with reporters liar, he’s a cheater. He thinks he’s stronger all had similar messages. overall team title in Division II. “I’m going to in the wake of the resignation as well. than the NCAA,’ but it’s not that at all. They’re They will follow up on their signed pledg- Ohio State. I’ll be there June 19.” One of the biggest recruiting catches taking it the wrong way. I think some of the es to be Buckeyes (though the school would Grant learned the news of Tressel’s resig- of the season, five-star lineback- media and some of the people have to release them from their national let- nation from his father – eventually. er Curtis Grant of Richmond out there are just glad that he’s ters of intent before they could play at anoth- “My dad kept calling me, and I’m not (Va.) Hermitage, told Scout. out because they’re tired of him er school) and get to work trying to carry on going to lie, I was ignoring his call because com reporter Laura McKeeman winning every game.” the long-established tradition Tressel tried it was early and I was trying to wake up, but he maintained support for the Added Smith, “I think they’ve to uphold during 10 years on the sidelines then he kept calling so I was like, ‘Maybe I school’s former head coach. given him too harsh of a penalty, in Columbus. should call him,’ ” Grant said. “He told me Despite being disappointed to but I guess you’ve got to say, ‘It “When I look at Ohio State, in my opin- and I turned on the TV and it was there, lose the opportunity to play for is what it is,’ and move on.” ion, I see Coach Tressel is Ohio State,” breaking news. I was a little shocked.” Tressel, Grant added that he was Seven players in the class Massillon (Ohio) Washington wide receiver He expressed no reservations about play- quite familiar and comfortable took part in spring practice Devin Smith said after winning the Division ing for interim head coach Luke Fickell, with Fickell, who played a major under Tressel and continue to I long jump and 100-meter dash champi- who served under Tressel for the past nine role in his recruitment as line- be enrolled at Ohio State: quar- seasons in various positions. backers coach. terback of Huber onships at the Ohio High School Athletic Devin Smith Association state track meet in Columbus “He was a part of my recruitment, actu- Wide receiver Heights (Ohio) Wayne, offensive on June 4. “The things he’s done since he’s ally,” Grant said. “He’s a good guy. He’ll of Vernon Hills, Ill., is no stranger to Fickell, tackle Tommy Brown of Akron Firestone, been there are amazing, and losing him is discipline you if he has to, but he’s a good either, but his familiarity sprang from a dif- defensive lineman Joel Hale of Greenwood real tough.” coach and a strong coach. He knows what ferent source than recruiting. Fickell played (Ind.) Center Grove, tight end Smith, who verbally committed in June he’s doing.” defensive line at Ohio State from 1993-96 of Naples (Fla.) Barron Collier, lineback- 2010, found out about Tressel’s resignation Like Grant and Smith, defensive lineman while Evan’s father, Tim, was a member of er of Plantation, Fla., safety from director of football operations Greg Michael Bennett of Centerville, Ohio, told John Cooper’s coaching staff, and the elder Jeremy Cash of Plantation, Fla., and safety Gillum via a phone call the morning it hap- reporters at the state track meet his views of Spencer was still coaching running backs at Ron Tanner of Columbus Eastmoor. pened. Ohio State and Tressel remained unchanged Ohio State under Tressel when Fickell joined “It hurt to know that because losing a guy even after the events of the week. Defensive his staff in 2002 as special teams coach. Seven Set For Big 33 like him is tough,” Smith said. “We’re still coordinator and line coach “(Tressel) was important because my dad Before they move to Columbus on June going to have the same mind-set as if he was informed Bennett of the news via telephone. coached with him before and I knew him 19 for the start of summer quarter, seven of still there. All the guys are still fired up and “I think it’s sad for Coach Tressel because personally,” Evan Spencer told BSB. “We’d the incoming freshmen have one last piece ready for the season to get going.” I think everyone who’s met him knows how have family dinners and he would be there. of high school business to which to attend. Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary defensive good a guy he is,” said Bennett, who won the He influenced my decision, but he wasn’t the Grant and Smith along with Elyria defen- back Doran Grant was in Columbus for the Division I shot put title and finished second sole reason I went there. There were mul- sive lineman , Toledo Rogers tiple other reasons why I decided to choose defensive back DerJuan Gambrell, Canton Ohio State.” McKinley defensive lineman Steve Miller, When reached on June 1, Spencer said he Shaker Heights offensive lineman Antonio had already spoken to nearly every member Underwood and Westerville Central tight of the 2011 recruiting class and liked what end are all on the Ohio roster he had heard. for the 54th Big 33 Football Classic. “Everybody I’ve talked to has really stuck They will represent the Buckeye State together,” he said. “I know that all of us that against a team of all-stars from Pennsylvania are in the 2011 class, we’re pretty close right on June 18 in Hershey, Pa. now as it is, and it’s only going to get closer. “I’m excited because I’ve got some future Everybody I’ve talked to, which is pretty teammates going and I’ll get a chance to much everybody, said that.” play with my (high school) teammate Justin Back in Ohio, two of the future Buckeyes Olack, so it’s going to be a fun weekend,” Smith said.

Some Numbers Claimed The future Buckeyes at the state track meet also spilled the beans about what they knew about their living arrangements for the beginning of their college careers as well as what numbers they will be issued. Doran Grant said he will wear No. 12 as a freshman and room with Curtis Grant. Smith will wear No. 15 and said he and Spencer are set to share a living space. Bennett plans to continue wearing the No. 63 that adorned his high school jersey, and his first college roommates will be offen- sive linemen Underwood, Brown and Brian Bobek of Palatine (Ill.) Fremd. “I can’t wait,” Bennett said after winning the shot put title but before competing in the discus throw. “Once discus is done, it’s all Ohio State. I’m excited. I can’t wait to get up there.” Having added 25 pounds since playing his senior football season at 260 pounds, the 6-3 Bennett said he is optimistic he can find his way into the rotation this fall as a true freshman. “I think if I take care of business, do what they tell me, get bigger and learn the defense, I don’t see why I can’t play,” he said. BSB staff writer Adam Jardy contributed to this report.

16 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2011 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2011

OPINION Tressel’s Departure May Lead To Dimmer Times Cross your fingers, Buckeye fans. More recently, USC began going through John Cooper. The hope in large part was there panicked into making an unwise decision or History too often says dynasties such as what Ohio State is about to encounter. because Cooper had done something that Ohio school officials know more than they are say- what you’ve become accustomed to – or spoiled USC’s and Ohio State’s Jim State had not done in a while. At Arizona State, ing. with – during the last 10 seasons do not carry on Tressel led the most dominant college football Cooper won a Rose Bowl – and over Michigan, If the case against Tressel was bad enough from coach to coach. programs over the last decade. no less. for him to be removed on Memorial Day, it The most notable exception would be Carroll left after the 2009 season, and soon In his first season at Ohio State, Cooper did was bad enough to do so back in March. That Miami (Fla.), which won national champion- thereafter, USC ended up on probation. We deliver something Buckeye fans had not seen in is, unless OSU and/or the NCAA has discov- ships with three different coaches – Howard don’t know yet whether OSU will end up on a long time – a losing season. Cooper was 4-6-1 ered more solid allegations against the now Schnellenberger, Jimmy Johnson and Dennis probation but there certainly is a similar cloud with the Buckeyes in 1988, and his next three ex-coach. Erickson –from 1983 through 1989, then added over the program. teams lost four games each year. Suddenly a second title under Erickson in 1991. Under Carroll, USC was an amazing 82-9 Old 9-3 Earle – as Bruce had become known Jobs On The Line over a seven-season span until slipping to 9-4 his because of a string of 9-3 seasons – didn’t look If Tressel is gone, why are the jobs of ath- final year. Last year, without Carroll, the Trojans so bad. letic director Gene Smith and school president dropped to 8-5. Things don’t look good for the Cooper later did have seasons of 10-1-1 Gordon Gee considered so safe? It’s premature THE EXNER POINT immediate future. The Trojans are banned from (1993), 11-2 (1995), 11-1 (1996) and 11-1 (1998), to call for their jobs based on what is known postseason play for the upcoming season. but the bad start combined with his inability to publicly, but it is fair to raise a question about Rich Exner By hiring from within, at least for the 2011 beat Michigan were too much to overcome. their job security. season, Ohio State fans can hope for the kind of Enter Jim Tressel in 2001. The role of a school president includes rep- continuity Michigan enjoyed in the immediate Now what’s next? resenting the school, presenting it in a positive However, in many other cases over the last aftermath of . manner and making good judgments. Instead, few decades, such success did not follow coach- Schembechler’s Michigan program, Strange Timing Gee brought ridicule to the university with his ing changes. while going strong, was not at the level of the Why now? That was my question after hear- unwise attempt at humor during the initial news Consider Alabama after . He left schools mentioned above – Miami, Nebraska, ing the news on Memorial Day that Tressel had conference back in the spring, saying “I hope the job in 1982, having won the SEC title nine Oklahoma, USC and Ohio State – when they either resigned or been told to resign. (Tressel) doesn’t fire me.” times in his final 12 seasons. Alabama didn’t win lost their coaches. At that point, the solid case against Tressel There is no indication at this time that Smith, another conference crown until 1989 – the third But Michigan wasn’t bad either and, at least was not worse than it was back in March, when as athletic director, is to blame for Tressel’s year into the second coach after Bryant. The initially, continued the success near the rate of Ohio State told the world his misdeeds should actions. But, as AD, he is in charge of the pro- coach who followed Bryant – Ray Perkins – was its departed coach. Schembechler closed out be punished with a two-game suspension – later gram. He is paid big money to make sure a sys- 32-15-1 in four seasons. his career in 1989 with Big Ten titles and Rose increased reasonably to five games to match the tem is in place to guard against such problems. How about Nebraska after , Bowl trips in his final two seasons, and he went penalty for the players involved. It would only be fair to examine Smith’s work who wrapped up his career in 1997 after 13 48-11-2 over his final five seasons. Over 21 sea- Since then, there have been allegations to determine whether he did what should be league titles in 25 years? He was an incredible sons, he posted a winning percentage of .796. about cars and perhaps other players profiting expected of an athletic director. 60-3 over his final five seasons that included Michigan promoted assistant Gary Moeller with a few bucks off their status as OSU football Either Gee and Smith were hopeful that three national titles. to head coach, and he led Michigan to Big Ten players or by selling their OSU belongings. things wouldn’t get so bad, or they simply Frank Solich followed Osborne at Nebraska titles his first three seasons (1990-92). He was But OSU has not told the world of finding misjudged the situation before going public in and was 58-19 in six seasons. Bill Callahan was a near Schembechler-like 44-13-3 before being anything new against Tressel, and the NCAA March. Gee, as president, was involved beyond next, going 27-22 in four seasons. Combined, replaced by in 1995. Carr in 1997 is yet to rule. just the news conference. The news conference the two coaches were a very un-Osborne-like delivered Michigan its first national title in 49 The only explanations I can come up with came after Gee and Tressel discussed the mat- 85-41. years. In 13 seasons, Carr’s winning percentage for the timing of the resignation are that OSU ter at Gee’s house. At Oklahoma, had quite a run. was nearly identical to that of Moeller. He was Taking over in 1973, he got off to a great start, 122-40, and each coach won about 75 percent of despite the school being placed on probation his games. soon after he was promoted to head coach. He Can Luke Fickell – or Fickell’s successor went 73-7-2 during the 1970s. During 17 sea- – do what Jimmy Johnson did in Miami and sons, Switzer won 12 Big Eight titles. He won continue making runs at national titles? his third national title in 1985, starting a three- Or will the next permanent Buckeye coach year run in which his teams were 33-3. be more like Earle Bruce, a solid coach for sure, But Oklahoma was placed on probation in but one who was not able to deliver national 1988, and things didn’t go so well on the field domination? for his successors. The Sooners stumbled to 68- When Bruce wasn’t deemed good enough 55-3 under four coaches before Bob Stoops led to keep – a controversial 1987 firing made Oklahoma to a 13-0 record and the national title worse by the clumsy way Ohio State handled in 2000, his second season. it – there was a lot of hope with the hiring of

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He has not handled this situation well at There was no doubt in my mind Tressel time worst, from the coach never apologizing He’s been the star, and now he’s the star all, from staunchly backing Tressel to saying would not be the Ohio State football coach in to Gene Smith saying that he was confident this again, quarterbacking a tradition-rich program. this was an isolated occurrence and that the 2012. In fact, it was looking more and more like wasn’t a far-reaching issue to Gordon Gee flip- Tressel was his biggest backer, brushing a school does not have a systemic problem. You he might not coach any games in 2011. pantly saying, “I just hope the coach doesn’t fire senior quarterback (Todd Boeckman) aside do not back yourself into a corner that way The resolution would not be swift and would me,” when asked about Tressel’s job security. for the shiny newcomer. So what was Pryor to unless you are 100 percent sure that it’s true. take place only after the 2011 season was OSU was the laughingstock nationwide, and think? I will say Pryor has been more of a head- Getting back to this season – it will be completed. And it would be Ohio State show- now it must take stock in what happens next. ache than a truly bad guy. He’s been compared interesting to see just how the players respond ing Tressel the door, not the coach walking For Tressel, what happens next is probably to Maurice Clarett as far as OSU infamy goes, to all that has taken place. The upperclassmen through it voluntarily. not coaching related. He’s an Ohio guy, he’s but Clarett did far worse than Pryor ever did especially will need to be great leaders as there nearing 60 years old and he had even hinted – and has the jail time to prove it. could be some fracturing in the locker room at that he wasn’t going to be at OSU forever. Pryor and his fellow suspended mates have the moment. There appear to be a few players It seems difficult to believe that he would let down the team, the hardworking guys who who have their own agendas and who haven’t THE FACTS MAN want to take on the grind of going somewhere have been able to keep their heads on straight. seemed nearly as bothered by this stuff as you new, not to mention the fact that any big-time It wouldn’t be any kind of surprise if there’s might think they would be, and everyone needs Mike Wachsman school would be very leery about hiring him some animosity between some of the players, to be pulling in the same direction when the – and might not be able to if Tressel is given who see Pryor as being a favorite and getting curtain rises on the season. sanctions that follow him. away with things that other players wouldn’t. It is the view from here that Pryor has So the fact Tressel offered up his resignation He could end up like Jim O’Brien, coaching Folks who dealt with Pryor knew he was played his last game at Ohio State. OSU should – with a little assist from the OSU administra- at a small school for a few years. In fact, it would high maintenance, but that didn’t stop them move on and let the Braxton Miller (or Taylor tion, which no doubt saw the speeding train be fitting if he went to Baldwin-Wallace (where from wanting him. Michigan wanted him. Graham) era begin, and if it means taking some that was the NCAA coming down the track – on he played and where his dad coached) before Oregon wanted him. Penn State wanted him. lumps this year, so be it. Memorial Day was a bit of shocker, but only calling it a career. He could write more books Tressel and Ohio State wanted him, and ulti- There is still enough talent on hand for the because of the timing. and he could become involved in charity work mately got him. Buckeyes to win double-digit games, so while The line of thinking that Tressel didn’t do or serving his community, something he was Though he’s not the only culprit in this Pryor is definitely a game-changer on the field anything major, that he was just protecting always big on. whole sordid mess, he is the most visible. He’s he certainly hasn’t taken ownership of the team. his players, won’t fly. He flat-out lied to his He’ll still have a legacy at Ohio State – seven also a nice example of the old adage “be careful By now you’d think a senior – especially one superiors and, worse, lied to the NCAA. That’s Big Ten titles and a national championship what you wish for.” with his profile – would have done just that. grounds for termination no matter how you ensure that. But it won’t quite be the legacy Think OSU fans wish they could get a mul- If Pryor is not given further sanctions by the slice it – the fact it didn’t happen immediately many OSU fans thought it would, and it’s cer- ligan on Pryor? NCAA or OSU, then he should have to fight for was a bit perplexing. tainly not the one Tressel hoped for. his job once the five-game suspension is over. Whether you think what the players did was Where To From Here? For him to be able to walk in and take over the wrong – and I’ve gone on record as saying it The Lightning Rod With probation – and a pretty severe one – a starting job would be a slap in the face to the wasn’t since the items they traded were theirs Pryor has been at the center of this mess near certainty, how Ohio State navigates the guys who were playing. I don’t think Fickell – it does not justify Tressel covering up informa- from the beginning, so he’s gotten most of coaching search will be paramount in how it will be swayed by experience, so if someone is tion he knew could hurt the team by not telling the blame for the Buckeyes’ situation. Fair or comes out of this mess. Luke Fickell may end playing well they’ll likely stay in the lineup. That the proper people about it. unfair, that’s what happens when you’re a high- up being a fine coach, and he’s certainly a great goes for DeVier Posey and Dan Herron and Do I think Tressel has been a complete profile quarterback at a major school. individual with the passion and desire needed Mike Adams as well. fraud, spouting his moralistic platitudes about When you come into a program with the to succeed. But he should not be OSU’s next The saddest part about all of this is that it living a better life and helping people and serv- stature of Ohio State, you’re naturally going to coach, for a couple of reasons. could have been avoided had Tressel simply ing your community? No. Do I think he is an be under the microscope. Knowing this, don’t First, your first head coaching job should taken a short walk down the hall, told Smith out-and-out dirty coach? No. Do I think the cul- you think it would be wise to stay out of the not be at an elite school like OSU. I know a and the compliance people about the original e- ture of college sports says that you need to win spotlight as much as possible? few big-time programs have hired first-timers mails he received and been done with it. Yeah, games first and foremost, and that if you don’t Pryor has been a magnet for controver- – Florida State with Jimbo Fisher and Florida there would have been player suspensions you lose your job? Probably. sy, from his, “everyone kills people, murders with – but both had been long- during the season and there probably wouldn’t Since Tressel knew sitting Terrelle Pryor people,” quote while defending his fandom of time coordinators or, in Muschamp’s case, a have been another BCS game to talk about. and the others would directly impact his abil- Michael Vick to his calling Kirk Herbstreit a hand-picked successor to a head coach (Texas’ But ethics would have trumped winning as ity to win football games, I could see how he “fake Buckeye” to getting on some fans for ) after serving as basically a right- Tressel would have shown that no one is above might want to sweep the whole mess under the criticizing him to his litany of cars to ... well, you hand man. the team. That’s the mantra he’s always been rug and hope that it went away. That doesn’t get the picture. Fickell is a co-defensive coordinator, which fond of, talking about what’s good for the group make it right, but it at least seems possible. Focusing on the cars for a moment – noth- counts for something, and there’s no debating not the individual. It would have been best for No matter how you draw it up, it was cheating. ing untoward has been proven, and until or that defense has been the Buckeyes’ strong suit the group to have the offenders sit down for Cheating requires knowledge, and Tressel unless it is I don’t have a problem with the the last few years. He’s getting the job done as some games, come back to the team and get knew what his players did was wrong. Had situation. Folks were up in arms to hear that he far as production is concerned. back to business. Things would have passed he not known about it at all he would actually was allowed to take a car home to Pennsylvania But history is against Fickell – every OSU without much fanfare, OSU’s reputation would have a leg to stand on and probably would have for the family to look at (which he ultimately coach since World War II has had some sort of actually be better given the coach’s actions more sympathy. decided not to buy), like that never happens. head coaching experience, so it might be best if – and Tressel would still be employed. While not guilty of direct corruption, Tressel Well guess what – it does happen. Fickell does what he can this year, moves on to It’s a shame that he was undone by going does appear guilty of being too trusting and tak- One of the first cars I ever had I was allowed a Mid-American Conference position for a few against his own thought processes. He did what ing an “I don’t want to know” approach. Stories to have for the weekend before deciding wheth- years and then, when the time is right, comes was best for him as Ohio State football coach and have come out that he was very hands-off at er to buy it. Now, I don’t know if this is standard back to assume his place as the Buckeyes’ top not what was best for the school. Winning is the Youngstown State when it came to players’ off- practice with all dealerships, but I have friends man. name of the game in big-time athletics, which is field comportment – which got him into a bit of who have done the same thing. So I didn’t raise The other reason is based more on recruit- why Ohio State is an elite program. Fans demand trouble there, too. an eyebrow when that was revealed. ing – which by all accounts Fickell is good at. excellence – every hour of every day – so maybe Tressel treats all of his players like his My biggest problem with Pryor is this – he However, when a school goes on probation and Tressel figured that making a stand against the children, which makes you wonder what kind professes to care a ton, yet his actions show just has a limited number of scholarships (which players would jeopardize his ability to win games. of discipline he had at home. If I had a kid who the opposite. If you’re embroiled in an investiga- the Buckeyes will likely face), big-time kids I don’t profess to know what was going through repeatedly got into trouble, would I continue to tion about the cars you drive, wouldn’t it be best want to feel like there’s light at the end of the his head, and frankly I don’t care. coddle him? No. I wouldn’t toss him out on his to not show up at the football offices in a new tunnel when the probation is over. They need Just because Ohio State is elite doesn’t ear, but I would make him feel repercussions ride? And with a suspended license? Ride over to be swayed by the brand name, and right now mean it’s bigger than the game – and Tressel for his actions. with one of your buddies if you have to, but OSU’s is pretty low in light of what’s happened. isn’t bigger than Ohio State, which is why he’s Tressel hasn’t done that very much in his don’t bring more attention to yourself. The way to be swayed is by making a big out. The apologists will say he was looking out time at OSU, which seems to have fostered Unfortunately – and this is part of the world splash in hiring a head coach – which is why it for his kids, and I don’t doubt that he does care an attitude of “we can do whatever we want” we live in today – young people crave atten- wouldn’t be any kind of shock to see the school about them. But you cannot lie to the NCAA because nothing will happen. Kids need to earn tion and adulation, and Pryor seems to fit that chase Urban Meyer (who appears to be the and expect to keep your job – it’s right up there freedom, not have it given from the start. category. popular pick). with paying players as one of the top taboos in It’s a sad chapter in OSU football history but Part of it may not be his fault. He’s been I also see changes in the compliance depart- the profession. one that shouldn’t be overlooked. The school held up and congratulated and told he was ment, especially in light of the allegations that It will be an interesting summer in Columbus. and future coaches can learn from this, and a star from the time he was in high school, more than just the original five named players Let’s hope there are no more surprises.

38 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2011 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2011

OPINION Digesting The End Of The Jim Tressel Era It would be easy for me to deny this now. you cut it, Tressel committed a grievous vio- Instead, I’m going to admit to all of you lation of NCAA rules. that I thought Jim Tressel would survive While many maintain that the rules that this ugly mess that the Ohio State football THE VIEW FROM 15TH & HIGH prohibit players from selling their proper- program finds itself in. Not only did I think Frank Moskowitz, Publisher ty are unjust, they are still the rules. And he would survive, I thought he would some- regardless, Tressel lied about his knowledge, how use the whole experience as something which is a separate issue. to build on – in a way that, it seems, only he the past 10 years stem from the person he I just don’t think the Ohio State officials Do I think that if outlets such as Sports can do – and his Buckeyes would just keep really is. fully anticipated the relentless criticism in the Illustrated or even The Columbus Dispatch rolling. While corny, all that stuff about fam- national media and the constant digging into started digging at other schools they would I wonder now if I really thought this was ily, leadership, succeeding for the seniors, the athletic department affairs. find similar tales of preferential treatment going to happen or if Tressel’s survival was the return to Ohio State football traditions, Our own Jeff Svoboda made an interesting for football players? Probably. But those what I wished would happen. the outreach to past players, the singing of boxing analogy when trying to sum up what outlets didn’t dig at other schools. They dug First, some disclosure. “Carmen Ohio” after each game – I admit it, I happened. at Ohio State. The defense of “it happens This column may prove to be more bought into most of it. When the whole mess broke, it was if everywhere” is a weak one, and again, it has Frank Moskowitz, Ohio State M.A., 1981 Beating Michigan nine out of 10 times the athletic department was on the receiving nothing to do with whether Tressel lied to the and admitted Buckeye fan talking and not was more to me than just wins over a bitter end of a huge haymaker. When the Buckeye NCAA about his knowledge. Frank Moskowitz, BSB publisher and unbi- archrival following a 13-year stretch of futil- brain trust found itself wobbly but still stand- With the previously mentioned penchant ased reporter. ity. Those wins were symbolic of the return ing, it thought the crisis could be survived. by Tressel to micromanage, you do have to And let me acknowledge again, as I have to prominence of the traditions that are the But the news reports kept coming like relent- wonder if he didn’t put his head in the sand before in this space, that I had my beefs very foundation of Ohio State football. less jabs, weakening the Ohio State resolve about some of what was going on around with Tressel. Most notable among those Much of my opinion about Tressel is – perhaps among members of the board of him. Sometimes, it’s better not to know, or at complaints would be his lack of creativity on based on the many times I saw him at ban- trustees – and eventually Gee, Smith and oth- least act as if you don’t know. offense and his complete control of media quets where I was frequently the only media ers in the Tressel corner forced the coach to One group that has no justification for access to his team – players, coaches and member present. There, with no cameras or throw in the towel. putting its collective heads in the sand is personnel all included. tape recorders running, you saw the ease the OSU compliance office. Whether it was I still believe that Tresselball – strong with which he interacted with his players, the Why Did He Do It? their fault or not, I would be stunned if there defense, solid special teams, lack of turn- playful banter that indicated a genuine rela- So why did the seemingly squeaky-clean weren’t changes there. Somebody, besides overs and an emphasis on field position tionship between the head coach, players and Tressel cover up his players’ wrongdoing? Tressel, has to take the fall. Wasn’t it their – and an innovative offense are not mutually the assistant coaches, as well. Most media We will probably never know, as the former job to keep the coach out of the situation he exclusive. You can be creative and still be members probably have little knowledge of coach is not a big one on sharing contro- found himself lying about? high percentage. As good as things were on just how personable and funny Tressel can versial information. I’m still waiting for an the field during the Tressel era, might they be when he loosens up. explanation on what happened in the national What About Pryor? have been even better if the head coach had In a football world in which some coaches championship game against Florida after the As for quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who injected some new blood into the offensive are accused of not even knowing the names 2006 season. remains at the center of the Buckeye con- scheming? of their players, it always amazed me that Those critical of the program will con- troversy, what a star-crossed career at Ohio As for the media, while it may not seem so Tressel was able to retain intimate details tinue to maintain that Tressel hid his knowl- State. after the relentless beating that the coach and about players and even their families. It was edge because he wanted to keep his players I remain amazed at the many Buckeye OSU have taken over the last several months, this familiarity that often led to some of his eligible so he could take another run at a fans who tell me that they knew Pryor was many of us who earn our living reporting the best humor. I always figured that this knack national championship. bad news from the day he was recruited news have no hidden agenda and are just for remembering things about people was a As an observer of the program for these by Ohio State. Many of these are the same people trying to do their jobs. Making that real boon on the recruiting trail. past 10 years, and knowing what a micro- Buckeye fans who would have lamented that job difficult by limiting access, especially in It was at one of these banquets that I manager Tressel is, I figure he initially felt Tressel was a poor closer as a recruiter if the this day when the Internet demands con- learned Tressel required each of his players he could handle the situation himself. Why star quarterback had gone elsewhere. stant news flow, and giving non-answers to to learn the hometown and high school of he didn’t come forward and admit his knowl- They are the same fans who basked in pointed questions is no way to endear your- each of his teammates. That struck me as edge once his players’ transgressions were the glory of Pryor’s successes, such as lead- self to those responsible for disseminating such a team builder and as a great way to revealed, I don’t know. ing the Buckeyes to victory at Wisconsin as the news. make all of the players feel an equal part of The one lesson that any public figure a freshman, saving the day against Iowa last I have no doubt that this scorn toward the the team. should have learned from Richard Nixon season, and his impressive performances on media for so many years has played a large At each of these banquets, the fans and Watergate is that the cover-up is usually the big stage in the Rose Bowl and Sugar part in the seeming glee that many are taking seemed to love Tressel and were impressed more damaging than the crime itself. The Bowl. in reporting Tressel’s downfall. with the character of the players he brought other thing to remember is that if you e-mail There were five other players involved All that said, I truly believe that I have just with him. it, it is out there. in Tattoo-gate and there may have been witnessed a golden age in Ohio State football. As the criticism of Tressel continued to If Tressel had notified proper authorities more players receiving similar benefits if you Perhaps the golden age. It was certainly the mount in recent weeks, many claimed that it when he first received the incriminating believe Sports Illustrated. To single out Pryor best time to be a Buckeye fan in our 30 years was the coach’s stellar won-lost record that e-mails from former Buckeye Chris Cicero, is unfair but probably to be expected when of publication. allowed him to hang on, that Ohio State offi- Ohio State football would have taken a hit, you consider he is the most visible of the And I’m not just talking about the results cials were putting success on the field over but the coach and the team would have Buckeyes and not always the most prudent on the field, although that was obviously a the integrity of the institution. survived. While I understand how difficult it in his words or actions. He is also a player, big part of it. Ohio State football under Jim I believe, on the contrary, it was the integ- would have been for the coach to admit his because of his obvious gifts, for whom some Tressel was so much more than that – or at rity that officials such as Gee and athletic knowledge after the fact when Tattoo-gate Buckeye fans have had unrealistic expecta- least so it seemed. director Gene Smith felt Tressel brought to came to light in December, if he had done so tions. Ohio State president Dr. E. Gordon Gee the program over the last 10 years that they the program would have taken an even big- He is also just the type of player on whom was quite eloquent about it at the ill-fated were trying to recognize and acknowledge, ger hit, but Tressel and his team would still Tressel would think he could be a positive press conference initially acknowledging though obviously the unparalleled success have survived. influence, just as the coach probably thought Tressel’s failure to report knowledge of was a huge factor. Instead, as lies will do, the fabrication he could be a positive influence on Maurice NCAA violations committed by members of I think that Gee and Smith were ready to took on a life of its own, spiraling out of con- Clarett. It may take time to tell whether he his team. back their man. That much seemed obvious trol until Tressel’s stellar career as Ohio State was successful in either case. “He’s had great success on the football on March 8, when they gave such unequivo- head coach was over and his stellar reputa- As I have stated before, the fact that Pryor field and we applaud that,” Gee said. “He’s cal support to Tressel at their press confer- tion was forever tarnished. and the others, several of whom could have had great success in working with young peo- ence. Remember, it was not the actions of moved on to the NFL, came back in 2011 ple, and we applaud that. But equally impor- “I want to make sure everyone under- the players that caused Tressel to lose his despite their suspensions is a testament to tantly, he’s had great success in building the stands, wherever we end up at the end of the job, nor was it their actions that have the Tressel and the environment he created. character and reputation of this university, day, Jim Tressel is our football coach,” Smith Buckeye football program looking at more Many say Pryor has played his last down for which I am entirely grateful.” said at the time. “All the speculation about serious NCAA sanctions. The case of the at Ohio State. I truly believed that to be the case, as do him being terminated is pure speculation. players was resolved with their suspensions. I, for one, hope he comes back and, along many, many of the Buckeye fans whom I This case, in my view, does not warrant it.” It was Tressel’s cover-up that has left him with the other offenders, helps lead the have spoken to in the past few weeks. That’s If it was Gee and Smith’s intention to without a job and the program in such Buckeyes to a great 2011 season despite all what leaves all of us so stunned, confused force Tressel out, they would have done it shambles. the adversity. and hurt. While many in the media will cast then. There was no percentage in waiting if True, the players’ actions put the coach That would be the best way for those Tressel as a fake, many of us believe that the they were going to dismiss the coach. Do the in a position where he elected to sweep their who started this mess to honor Jim Tressel’s pride and joy the coach has given us during distasteful deed and move forward. transgressions under the rug. But any way legacy. www.BuckeyeSports.com June 2011 BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN • 39