The Ohio State University: Comments about
I think that Dr. Gee should confine his comments to his world of academia and keep his not and comments away from the Athletic Department. I understand that he goes in to a furious rage at the mention of football coach Tressel's salary, which is more than his. Gee's comments about Boise State were uncalled for and now he is making statements about their opponent tonight on the gridiron.
It is common knowledge that AD Smith, the staff, students of all athletic departments, FREQUENTLY discuss the DO's and DONT 's about what is and what is not allowed by the NCAA. The OSU stand that athletes were not adequately counseled on the subject is a cause for great humor at every university, college, junior college, whatever, in the country.
Many fanatical OSU fans feel that the FIVE should not be allowed to participate in the bowl game, and it is a black mark on the otherwise sweaterfestively clean record of the coach. I personally think it is a travesty that they will be allowed to play tonight. Coaches little "they are all coming back next year" comments mean nothing and perhaps only sooth his guilty conscience. If he has any integrity at all he knows that they should not play tonight, and if he allows them to it will be on his conscious the rest of his life.
The sports talk shows I listened to this morning all agreed that he might best either stay at OSU, or, if he enters the NFL draft, teams are looking at his as a possible tight end, not as a quarterback. I don't know what he could accomplish next year in a shortened season, other than perhaps picking up some more trinkets he can sell, and more tattoos he can get.
I personally think the reputation of OSU is tarnished by this issue. I think some recruits are going to take a long hard look at the program. The President shoots his mouth off, the coach won't stand up for his players, and the AD has no spine. The program is definitely blemished, to say the least. There is an opening for a quarterback for the first five games next year, if you like the offense, and all the other stuff going on.
The State, the University, the Athletic Department, the Big Ten, the Athletic Direcctor and The Coach would command some respect, and show that they had integrity, if the five WERE NOT allowed to play in the Bowl Game. I think they could still win the game, and a great deal of respect from sports fans everywhere.
