Known as “The Senator,” the man sporting his signature sweater vest is the Richard Blumenthal of Ohio. While Senator Blumenthal of Connecticut lied about serving in the Vietnam War, and Tressel is not technically a senator, Tressel picked up the state of Ohio and dropped it on his head after lying and covering up major rules violations. Instead of informing the university of misdeeds, Tressel rolled up his sweater vest and concealed the violations.
The end result is a two-game suspension to start the 2011 season and a $250,000 fine. Consider it ironic that the man who emphasized honor and integrity on the field, as well as in published books, would be quite the contrary, but I guess anything is possible these days when you are a Division I-A football coach.
Lies, sorry excuses are now business standard. The people of Buckeye Nation wanted to believe that Tressel was legitimate, he played by the books, and was not cheating like numerous other coaches.
But the damage has been done, the curtain unveiled, the truth exposed. He is just like all those other coaches who cheated the past decade. Even the prestigious are not immune to the virus of deceit. Cheating to win was more important, and yet his job is more safe than sorry.
Although the significant violation involving five players, including star quarterback Terelle Pryor, who received impermissible benefits in the form of tattoos and sold memorabilia for monetary compensation, Ohio State President E. Gordon Lee was stunned when a reporter asked him if Tressel’s job was in jeopardy.
“No. Are you kidding? I’m just hoping the coach doesn’t dismiss me.”
That was a joke right? Because the head coach of a football team is more important than the president of a state institution of higher learning right? Even though the violation could lead to “termination…for cause” in Tressel’s contract, the president of Ohio State University is in more trouble than Tressel himself.
Looks like that “Horseshoe” they call the home of the Buckeyes is wrapped around Lee like a dog collar, with Tressel holding him by a leash.
A nice refresher for Lee might help: Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl hosted a barbeque for high school recruits at his home, then lied about it–he was suspended for eight SEC games and lost approximately $1.5 million in salary.
Tressel knew Pryor and co. violated rules, got some free inkage, and still let them play. But what does the NCAA care. They suspended the five players for five games…next season, and allowed them to play in the Sugar Bowl. Why would you suspend the players when it matters?
So while the NCAA is about as useful as a chocolate tea pot in the disciplinary department, the free-market college football enterprise rolls right along. Tressel will be suspended for the games against Toledo and Akron. If he had any dignity in him, he would demand a harsher punishment and take it upon himself to be accountable.
But he has no dignity, and like the NCAA, might as well make institutional control null and void. What the NCAA will do to the man with the sweater vest are what he should have done if taking responsibility for your actions means anything.
One thing is for certain: “The Senator” can always pull the “Cam Newton defense” and say he never knew about the situation. A deaf ear and a blind eye. Shall we witness the Cam Newton defense?