Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is being unfairly crucified by the press
The article about (Ohio State University football coach) Jim Tressel left out a few key points that change the whole complexion of the story. First, let me say that Tressel didn't break any laws; he committed no crimes.
He did, however, violate NCAA rules in this instance.
What was left out of the story is the fact that he found out about the situation because of an FBI drug investigation of the tattoo parlor owner that did not involve any of his players and he DID consult his lawyer about it. His lawyer advised him not to report it because disclosure would compromise a federal investigation and he could be held culpable.
He was following the dictates of his lawyer and was caught in a Catch 22. I am not rendering a decision one way or the other, that is for his superiors to decide.
But Tressel is being hammered in the press, even in Ohio, and I believe there is more going on here under the surface.
Jim Tressel is an outspoken, born-again Christian and the press has found the “sin” that they will not forgive. If this were any other coach, we would be hearing things like "well yes it was wrong but there were mitigating circumstances." Because Tressel is a Christian who actually speaks out about his faith and people don't like that, they want him crucified! People, reality check, Christians are not perfect. That's why we need a Savior!
Darry A. Nagel Ypsilanti
Comments
treetowncartel
Tue, Mar 22, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
I actually have no comment, I'm speechless after reading this.
MB111
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.
Tressel lied to the NCAA. The he lied about lying about it. He is a hypocritical man - regardless of religion, occupation, or geography. He deserves every bit of vitriol coming his way.
jcj
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
ERMG & northside My thought at first "This is a joke, right"? And my second thought was this done just to see what kind of a response it would get. Whatever the reason for the piece I am not buying it! It is a ridiculous piece that barley merits a response.
lugemachine
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
Typo! The word "Former" should appear before the phrase "Ohio State coach" shouldn't it? I mean.. he's not still employed, is he???
John B.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
Well, not any more, he isn't....
Jack Gladney
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
This is a gag piece, right. Should have saved this one for April 1st.
local
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
He flat out lied to the NCAA and his punishment isn't much thus far. Like the 5 players who got to play in the bowl game, really. Tressel should be suspended from Spring practice and fall practice as well. After his 5 game suspension is up, back to business as usual. Back to the same old OSU where it seems like things just get swept under the rug (Clarett?).
Cash
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.
Me thinks he needs to be born once more.. this time as an honest man.
zip the cat
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
He needs to be removed from coaching for at least 2 yrs and fined a couple mil. Liars have no business in the position he is in. Hopefully the ncaa will wake up and hand him his due along with the president of ohio tate who also new what was going on
a2miguy
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
I can't believe I just read this tripe. There goes 2 minutes of my life I'll never get back. Mr. Nagel, when you're a high profile figure and you lie and cheat in a large way, the press will beat you up. It's not some anti-Christian rhetoric. It's just the way things happen.
EightySeven
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
This column is a joke right?? Hey A2.com instead of posting this column how about sending someone to cover the 1st day of spring football practice. Or how about sending someone to cover the event @ The M Den in which Coach Hoke signed autographs and meet w/ fans to raise money for Mott Hospital. But instead once again I had to get the story from the Detroit News. You missed out on delivering a great story to your readers. Maybe somebody needs to be made aware of the big beast Michigan Football. Thanks for the major fumble you gave to us.
Greggy_D
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
If the Feds did not want Tressel to talk, they would have slapped a gag order on him. That did not happen. So not only did Tresell break NCAA rules, but he is also a liar.
Townie
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
Yeah, born again but with no ethics nor morals. I guess it's a case of 'my christian, right or wrong'. Well, in this case he was very wrong and knew exactly what he was doing. All the other coaches who did the same type of thing, christian or not, were fired. Tressel knows that too and his latest 'punish me more' is another attempt to stave off the penalty his actions warrant. But OSU won't do much since it's all about winning football games, not ethics, morals, right or wrong. I hope the NCAA really sends a message and nails Tressel -- or any other coach who wants to play this kind of game with serious player allegations.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.
This is a joke, right? Tressel found out about an FBI investigation but did not tell anyone because doing so might compromise that investigation? Did he think he was the only one on the planet capable of keeping a secret? Not the OSU AD? Not OSU's in-house counsel? Question: Isn't the fact that Tressel knew about the drug investigation proof that the investigation already was compromised? Some lawyer, that. Must have been Woody Hayes's son. Either that or he went to Ave Maria Law School. Or both. Moreover, nothing would have prevented Tressel from taking disciplinary actions against the players involved. A generic "violation of team rules" would have been the only explanation necessary. This guy knew for months that his players had violated NCAA rules on a massive scale and had consorted with a known drug dealer, yet he did nothing. Moreover, when those violations were revealed, he lied about his knowledge of them. After all, at that point, the cat was out of the bag. Why not say "I've known about this for months but kept my silence in order to preserve an FBI investigation." No, he didn't say that. Instead, he lied. And now we are expected to believe this story after-the-fact? Nope. And until Tressel is gone, OSU will officially be know as O-Lie-O State. Good Night and Good Luck
northside
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
Prediction: this piece will shatter the record for most responses.
John B.
Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.
Unlikely, since A2.com buries their opinion section.
Dr. Rockso
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
What we need is honest coaches in college athletics not a savior.
Francisco
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
I believe if it were any other coach he would have been fired long long ago during this process. Regardless of his religion nothing is going to happen to Tressel, I'm sorry the press has hurt your feelings. Lets just remember, neither Chris Webber or Steve Fisher broke the law, but what happened to them?
David Briegel
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:25 p.m.
Poor Jim, my violin gently weeps. From Clarett to this. All is not well in the horseshoe. Golly, maybe he will be "born again" as a more honest, less hypocritical soul! Go Blue!