The letter -- dated Nov. 29 (Saturday) -- reads as follows:
Dear Mr. Gardner,
I write, simply, to thank you for the inspiration you are and the class you showed as you consoled J.T. Barrett when he was injured this afternoon in your game against the Buckeyes.
The Ohio State-Michigan game is important, but it pales in comparison to the humanity you displayed during that moment.
As I think you know, J.T. Barrett has been an inspiration to the Buckeye squad this season, coming in as he did when Braxton Miller was injured. He's performed with maturity and poise well beyond his years. I suspect it's been guys like you who have been his role models.
You are an extraordinary young man and your example of sportsmanship and true humanity to thousands of young (and older) people this afternoon was, in my opinion, worth far more than any football statistics.
Thank you again for showing all of us how it should be done.
How nice this would have been coming from the Coach or the AD at OSU, rather than a satellite campus. I think it clearly indicates the "Lack of Class" on the main campus in the Athletic Department ..... at least someone on staff clearly realizes that it is just a game, played by young men who are not worried about their MULTI MILLION DOLLAR salaries and the image they must exhibit to keep the "rivalry" alive.
