| 08 March 2011
Ugh. Sometimes being a college football fan sucks. (And if you think it won't happen to good 'ol State U. where you attended - just wait.)
After Yahoo! Sports initial report that Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel knew of the NCAA violations of the last year's Tatgate in Columbus almost nine months before admitting it, the school has suspended Tressel for two games and fined him $250K.
In a very awkward press conference Tressel attempted to explain that he received an email from an attorney in April of 2010 informing him that two players (the number would later grow to six) were connected to a federal drug investigation of tattoo parlor owner in Columbus. Tressel claimed he didn't inform anyone because the attorney asked that he keep the fact in confidence so as not to endanger the federal investigation. In doing so, Tressel violated NCAA rules by not informing college football's overlords that some of his players had potentially violated the rules.
Frankly, watching the press conference, Tressel's excuses came off as a bit contrived, especially when asked why the named players were permitted to play during the 2010 season despite the head coach being aware they may not be eligible. Tressel gave an answer that essentially said he didn't want to give away the secrecy of a federal investigation.
I guess there's no way that can be refuted but it seems a pretty far-fetched of an excuse. And why did it take until January for this to be outed when Ohio State held a press conference on the subject in mid-December? To me, Tress tried to cover for his players' stupidity with his own stupidity. Stupid is what I'm saying. I think "Uh, I forgot." would have been more believable.
For now it's two games, but the NCAA hasn't had a whack at this one yet. Wouldn't surprise me to see Tressel's suspension upped to four games or maybe five to match his players.
