COMMENTARY | A distinguished career ended in shame Monday when Jim Tressel resigned from his position as head coach of the Ohio State University football team, according to Sports Illustrated. The resignation follows the discovery of NCAA rules violations by players. Specifically, the players are alleged to have received cash and traded memorabilia for services. It is not fully known to what extent Tressel knew of the violations, but he accepted responsibility for his players' actions and submitted his resignation.
There is no doubt that rules violations involving money and services are a pervasive problem in college football, and Ohio State is no stranger to trouble, notes the Bradenton Herald. Famously, Maurice Clarett was declared ineligible and punished for similar rules violations. It seems odd that out of all the schools that have had scandals related to these rules violations, Ohio State University's head coach would be singled out and resign due to the allegations.
Second, it seems odd that all the players have defended Tressel. Not one player has indicated that Tressel had any knowledge of any rules violations. I can see where he is suspect, especially when his previous school, Youngstown State, had similar problems with students and rules violations. Plus, it would not be unthinkable for players to idolize their coaches and not want to speak out against them. I still think at least one of the former athletes would say if or to what extent the coach knew of the violations.
Finally, the pervasiveness of the violations seems staggering. The rules are simple enough: Students are not to accept anything of value for their playing, other than scholarships, of course. There are rumors of players, or their families, receiving money, cars, tattoos and even illicit services. This takes away from the amateur nature of college football. These rules apply to, and are broken by, nearly every other major college sport under the NCAA banner. I would think that this is a failure on the part of the NCAA governing body more so than the students. If there are rules of this nature, it is up to the NCAA to enforce the rules in a fair and uniform fashion.
Overall, it is sad to see a legend such as Tressel leave the sport in this manner. Given his contribution to coaching, it is too bad that this controversy overshadowed his work.
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