OSU football = Waste = Fish = Zoo Food = More Waste = OSU Football

Why not raise these, they are already wearing stripes. Sorry about that, I just had to make some sort of comment ........ there is more to be said  about prisoners raising fish, to feed to zoo animals .... just can't think of it ..... and the funding comes from selling waste from Ohio State football games. gonna take some thought.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A prison program funded partly by recycling waste produced at Ohio State football games is helping pay for inmates to raise trout to feed penguins, polar bears and otters at the Columbus Zoo.

The rainbow trout farm that opened Wednesday at the Southeastern Correctional Complex in Lancaster will provide about 300 pounds of frozen trout a month for the zoo’s dozen-plus penguins. Inmates also will provide about 100 pounds of trout a month for the zoo’s polar bears, brown bears and otters.

The farm is being paid for, in part, with proceeds from a prison recycling-sorting program, which takes in waste from Ohio State’s massive stadium, among other sources.

The trout, to be flash frozen at the prison, will replace fish the zoo currently gets from Idaho. The prison partnership calls for smaller trout, from 4 inches to 6 inches long, which is closer to what penguins prefer, said zoo spokeswoman Patty Peters.

The prison eventually hopes to raise bigger trout for the bears and to provide them live to the animals. The prison also hopes to expand the trout program to other Ohio zoos.

The fish are being raised in two long water-filled troughs in a warehouse.

Hey Prez ... when you are not busy ...

I used to be an OSU fan, have all my life. The program has never been the same since Woody left. I am not a backer of the program anymore. This, to me, shows their arrogance. They are already assuming they are going to win their last game, Ohio State arrogance. Are they that good, I honestly do not know, their schedule is not that tough, their first games were givens, and the quality of the conference this year has been nothing to brag about. But, TV would love to see an OSU-NotreDame championship bowl, BIG BUCKS would be generated. So, don't hole your breath.

Pardon The Ohio State Buckeyes from unjust NCAA sanctions preventing their rightful access to a BCS bowl game.
The Ohio State University football team is one win away from an undefeated season.

However, due to imposed sanctions, they are not allowed to participate in their conference's championship game or the following bowl season.

While a punishment for past indiscretions is to be expected, a bowl season ban is too harsh for a few young men trading memorabilia for tattoos and some change.

The offending players and coach who covered it up are no longer part of the program. Please exercise your executive power to pardon the NCAA's excessive sanctions placed on The Ohio State Buckeyes to enable a rightful, satisfying culmination to the college football season for the American people.

"Something''s just not right at Ohio State ..."

Ohio State made news earlier this year after snagging some of the nation's best recruits for its February signing class. Coach Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes were off to a similarly strong recruiting start this year, but one recruit's encounter with a fan caused him to pull his commitment.

Alex Anzalone, one of the nation's top linebacking recruits, committed to Ohio State last month, but decommitted Friday after learning he and several other recruits had unknowingly met a convicted sex offender.

During Anzalone's visit to Columbus, Ohio on April 21, he and two other recruits posed for a picture with Charles Eric Waugh of Ashland, Ky., and the photo made its way to Twitter. Only later did Anzalone learn Waugh, 31, had pleaded guilty to five counts of possession of underage sexual content in 2008. Waugh has had several interactions with players and recruits both in person and through social media.

Anzalone called assistant coach Luke Fickell on Friday to let him know that because of that interaction, he would not be attending Ohio State.

"There's a disconnect between what Alex thought was there (at Ohio State) and what is actually there," said Anzalone's father, Dr. Sal Anzalone,  on Friday.

"Something's just not right at Ohio State. It's not for him."

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today is the birthday of Jessie Maud Shannon Dooley, my Mom. One of the easier ones to remember, the week before Christmas. When I was home, we always trimmed our Christmas Tree on her birthday, so it has always been a big day in my life.

She got a little cheated though, all the activity of getting the tree, trimming it, didn't leave much time to celebrate her "day."

As I write this, I am looking at a little rocking chair, which was hers, and is well over one hundred years old, it was one of her "treasures." She often told how, as a child, on Christmas morning, her gifts would be by her chair, perhaps a plate of "goodies" on the chair, she cherished that little chair.

Mom was a PK, a Preacher's Kid. Her Father being a minister in the old United Brethren Church, and he later became a Bishop in the Church. She could relate many stories about incidents that arose from being a PK.

She loved a good time. She was never happier than when she had her family together, sitting at the dinner table and enjoying one of her meals. She loved to cook for them. She loved good times.

She was a perfect Doctors wife, she took the disappointments and cancellations in stride, his medical practice came first. In the early years when we had our home and office together, she often had to do what today is called, "Triage." It was not uncommon to have many patients in our living room, overflow from the office, and Mom would have to decide what was serious and needed immediate attention.

Fred Taylor, the Ohio State basketball coach legend, was brought to their home once by a mutual friend, they just stopped by to say hello. Mom and just baked an apple pie. Before they left, Coach Taylor had two pieces of pie, a number of cups of coffee, and spent a few hours talking with Mom and Dad in that homey dining room on Montgomery Road. Coach even tried his had at a little fishing in their pond. He said he had never enjoyed an afternoon quite so much. That's just the way Mom and Dad were, gracious and giving.

Mom left us many years ago, I have forgotten may dates since then, but her birthday will never be forgotten, one week before Christmas. Happy Birthday.

Will Pryor Enter NFL Supplemental Draft in July?

By Zachary D. Rymer


These last couple months have been a long, bumpy road for Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor. And unfortunately, he has nobody to blame but himself.

In case you need to get caught up, it was revealed several months ago that Pryor and several other Ohio State players traded memorabilia for tattoos, and that head coach Jim Tressel had covered for them. Initially, that led to suspensions for all involved parties, but things have gotten progressively worse.

At the outset, Pryor could have chosen to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. Instead, he promised Tressel he would return for his senior season. As it turned out, Tressel resigned on Monday. As if that wasn't bad enough, it is now being investigated whether or not Pryor has also received cars and other benefits.

Needless to say, Pryor's tenure at Ohio State has taken a turn for the worse. However, these is a way for him to escape.

The draft has already taken place, but the word from ESPN's Adam Schefter is that the NFL lockout will not necessarily cancel the supplemental draft. If there are applicants, it will be held in July.

So far, there haven't been any applicants, and no deadline has been set for interested players to apply.

"If there is one, the supplemental draft would be held mid-to-late July, no later than 10 days before the first training camp opens," said an optimistic league official.

The supplementary draft was implemented in 1977. It is designed to accommodate players who didn't declare for the NFL Draft in time and for those who couldn't because they were facing disciplinary issues. Naturally, Pryor belongs in the latter group.

As for how the supplemental draft works, teams are free to make a "bid" on a player. These bids are the round they would take the player in if they were in the draft. If one team bids a seventh-round pick, and another bids a fifth-round pick, the second team would win the player but would then forfeit its fifth-round pick in the following year's draft.

If Pryor wants of out Ohio State, this is his ticket. It may not be the Radio City Music Hall, but at least it will get him away from Columbus. And better yet, he'll get paid.

Now that Tressel is gone, don't be surprised if Pryor chooses to pursue this opportunity

You should not judge Tressel by his books

I personally am getting tired of all the banners being waved for Tressel, all the accolades, I think this article sums it up pretty well. Tressel was asked a question, and in his answer, he lied. It's that simple

By Ferd Lewis

Jim Tressel wasn't just another college coach.

He told us so.

He peddled the message of integrity and honor along with a series of inspirational books such as “The Winners Manual For the Game of Life” and “Life Promises For Success: Promises From God On Achieving Your Best” while touting doing “the right thing.”

And he sold the image with that professorial look and Mr. Rogers sweater.

But it turns out that Tressel could be as much an under-the-rock fraud as your average Wall Street swindler. He told one lie and then another, attempting to obfuscate his knowledge of one Buckeyes scandal while creating another crisis that finally led to his departure Monday.

There is a fresh, high-profile lesson there for all those who place college coaches on too high a pedestal. Cheer them for their victories, salute them for their championships, but remember an admirable winning percentage isn’t necessarily a sign of exemplary behavior. Beating Michigan regularly doesn’t automatically confer wisdom. Bowl game invitations don’t certify character.

While they are points too often lost on fans who, by the very definition, are “fanatics,” you could also say the same about OSU administrators. The Buckeyes debacle is a reminder of what can happen when administrators find it easier to wave pom-poms than do their jobs.

Less than three months ago, well after Tressel’s deceit was discovered, OSU president E. Gordon Gee was asked if he had considered firing Tressel. “Are you kidding? I’m just hoping that the coach doesn’t dismiss me,” Gee responded, immediately telling you how deep in the Ohio Stadium turf his head was stuck.

Two weeks ago the school’s athletic director, Gene Smith, also gave Tressel a public vote of confidence.

We are left to speculate on what changed their minds, be it mounting public opinion, additional revelations, the rising prospect of severe NCAA sanctions or a combination of all of the above.

But something — and there is nothing like NCAA gumshoes prowling the corridors to provide a little religion — prompted the powers that be in Columbus to finally begin asking the kind of questions that were months overdue.

Just as sadly, it apparently took the convening of “a special committee,” as Gee put it, to help him see his duty and obligation. And, maybe, to give him the requisite backbone to carry out a change that needed to be made.

Schools, especially marquee BCS ones such as Ohio State, reward their coaches handsomely. Tressel was getting a reported $3.7 million this year. Of course, they ask a lot in terms of victories and championships. And sometimes not enough in integrity.

If Wall Street financial folks aren’t above cooking the books to preserve their considerable salaries and perks, we shouldn’t assume that some coaches are beyond turning a blind eye or contorting the truth to protect their goodies either. Too many have already demonstrated they will.

Tressel, it turns out, wasn’t any different. He was just the latest and slickest.

Sick of hearing that Tressel was a "Man of Integrity"

All of the coaches interviewed today agreed on one thing ..... IF you hear of, know of, or suspect of something wrong, GO TO THOSE IN AUTHORITY and let them know ........... THE FIRST RULE OF COACHING ..............

Integrity, HE LIED, to protect his overpaid ass, to win football games, to keep the alumni and the administration happy, to keep the AD happy, but, most of all, to protect that multi-million dollar salary.

He and Bernie Madoff should get together and co-author a book on honesty and integrity. He has decimated an athletic program that has always been highly regarded around the country. And, he did it basically to protect his job, bottom line. He has been coaching long enough to know the rules, he just didn't get caught before. "Mommy when I grow up I want to play football for coach Tressel at Youngstown State." A kids dream, yea, really.

If the sanctions follow him he will have a hard time finding a coaching job anywhere, and if he does, he is going from the  penthouse to the basement. Hard for the ego. He might find a job doing color commentary at wrestling matches. Maybe go to work for the NCAA as a Violation Investigator. Takes one to know one, so to speak.

Enough of that, I predicted it would eventually happen when he took the job, so enough, already.

In was INEVITABLE ....... in my opinion

I have NEVER been a fan of Tressel, and predicted, when they hired him, it could end up in disaster. His Baptist Minister persona never fooled me. You don't have winning seasons at Youngstown State without some help from someone, or something. I had heard too many rumors of possible wrong-doing up there.

Now he is gone, the program is in shambles, and could be for a number of years. All of that great tradition, all the great coaches, are now tarnished. I don't think they are done, there is still an AD and a President who I feel also were involved in the cover up. To me, the AD is as guilty as the coach, he and his MILLION DOLLAR PLUS salary should go. They got rid of Tressel, now if  they got rid of Smith and Gee they could lower tuition's.

I can now dig out all my OSU shirts and become a Buckeye fan again. I think Meyer may be the next coach, don't know if he would want it or not, at least he would have a few years with little expectations, might be a good job with that bonus. He is Catholic and his "dream" job is Notre Dame, but he has an Ohio background, so who knows. A three year "no pressure" job could be appealing.

Tress probably has enough to retire, he should, maybe he will do "color commentary" for Youngstown State.

I said it would happen, and it has.

Go Bucks .......... O .......... H .......... I  ............. O

Report: Feds say OSU players traded, sold 36 items

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A newspaper reports that Ohio State football players are alleged to have improperly traded dozens of items to the owner of a tattoo parlor, receiving tattoos, $14,000, and in one case a sport-utility vehicle.

The report by The Columbus Dispatch says it obtained a letter Thursday that was sent from the U.S. Department of Justice to Ohio State officials in December. The document lists 36 items that players are said to have sold to Eddie Rife or traded for tattoos since 2008.

The newspaper reports that investigators say one player received a 2003 Chevy Tahoe, purchased by Rife for $3,500, in exchange for a watch and passes to the 2010 Rose Bowl.

Only a portion of the transactions were deemed violations by the NCAA, and five players have been suspended for the first five games of the upcoming season. A related NCAA investigation into coach Jim Tressel continues.

Money versus Integrity

I guess when you make way over TWO MILLION as a football coach, you just hate leave your job. Lie a little, cheat a little, a few little white lies, whatever it takes, but WIN, GO TO BOWL GAMES, WIN BOWL GAMES, Conference Wins.

Now, he and the Ohio State program are being raked over the coals, or as most of the football players call it, Da Ohio State University.

13 coaches have been in his situation with the NCAA, only one survived. I honestly don't see how they can side with and keep him as coach. He lied, was in breach of contract, etc. I wonder if any other coach at OSU would still be around under similar circumstances.

Fortunately, I exited the world of OSU fans, a number of years ago. I did not like what their program had resorted to. Earle Bruce firing upset me, they went to the bottom of the barrel and hired one Eldon Miller to coach basketball, a decision I will never understand. Then they brought in John Cooper from ASU to coach football, ASU sent the AD at OSU a Thank You card

Now, Jim Tressel, looks like a Methodist minister, from reports I have received, left a questionable legacy at powerhouse Youngstown State. Young boys dreamed of playing at Youngstown State, "NO Dad, I don't want to go to Notre Dame, I want to go to Youngstown State." Maybe the promises made were better there.

Now he hid information that may have lead to suspensions and a loss in a bowl game, and that could not happen, maybe there was a "clause" in his contact about bonus money for bowl victories. He specifically signed a contract about "disclosure of certain information," which he lied about and did not disclose, and the won. Nothing happened, now we know who actually has all the "power" at Da Ohio State University.

My guess is that he has had a vasectomy, because if he had "any" he would resign, and give OSU an opportunity to regain some resemblance of credibility, not prolong all of this for many months.

Only 1 out of 13 has survived such a situation, I hope soon, it will be 1 out of 14.

At least he has not dotted the "I" , that would be difficult to undo.

Final Four tarnished by new probes into UK, UConn

By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports

It’s Final Four Saturday and to ring in the action there are two new media investigations into NCAA violations, this time at Kentucky and Connecticut, one half of the Bond, Schoeneck and King subregional here.

Jim Calhoun's program could find itself in hot water again if the NCAA looks into new allegations.

The New York Times said that the NCAA could potentially reopen the UConn major infractions case involving one-time recruit Nate Miles after Miles told the paper that Huskies coach Jim Calhoun “knew” of illegal payments from a booster, that he twice received improper help on standardized tests and characterized a number of Calhoun’s statements to the NCAA as “lies”.

Meanwhile, FoxSports.com is reporting a former Kentucky and Memphis basketball staffer, Bilal Bately, made illegal phone calls to recruits, including former Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins. In his job, Bately was not permitted to call recruits. He left the program in 2009.
While neither scandal is overwhelming in nature, together they represent more dings to an already banged up sport. The timing of their release serves as the latest drumbeat that college athletics are at a breaking point.

Already there are major allegations against the football programs of Auburn, Ohio State and Oregon, plus details of illegal activity and rampant fraud involving the BCS’s Fiesta Bowl. There was also this week’s report by ESPN that former LSU All-American Patrick Peterson was shopped as a high school recruit, which follows last fall’s case of Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton being shopped as a recruit. And it turns out Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel knowingly used ineligible players for an entire season

Jim Tressel Asks Ohio State To Extend Suspension From Two to Five Games

Jim Tressel asked to increase his suspension from two to five games, the same length as his players who were suspended for selling memorabilia. It’s fairly clear from the delayed response, the rambling press conference and the initial slap on the wrist the school underestimated the situation’s seriousness. Eleven of the 12 NCAA coaches caught violating bylaw 10.1 since 2006 resigned or were fired. Tressel increasing his suspension is the decent thing to do. It should also alleviate the pressure on the NCAA to hammer him.
 
Akron Columbus, Ohio, 10 Toledo Columbus, Ohio,  Miami (Fla.) at Miami, Fla.,  Colorado Columbus, Ohio,  Michigan State, Columbus, Ohio.
 
WOW, is he a great guy, or what?
 
 

Tressel apologizes to Ohio State fans

CANTON, Ohio (AP)—Standing before a room jammed with some of his most loyal admirers, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel apologized several times during his first public speaking engagement since being suspended and fined for violating NCAA rules.

Speaking to a crowd of 400—many of them Ohio State fans clad in the school’s scarlet and gray—at a luncheon sponsored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tressel charmed a pro-Buckeyes’ audience during a 40-minute speech focused on handling adversity.

Tressel began his remarks by saying he couldn’t say much about the recent troubles at Ohio State “because of the nature of the investigation.”

“But I can tell you this,” he said. “I consider all of you a part of the Buckeye Nation. I sincerely apologize for what we’ve been through. I apologize for the fact I wasn’t able to find the ones to partner with to handle our difficult and complex situation.

“I also apologize because I’m going to have some sanctions. But the mission doesn’t change. That’s the pledge I have to you. The mission I’ve always had is we make sure we help young people change their lives.”

Dressed in a charcoal suit and dark red tie, Tressel also apologized for being a distraction to Ohio State’s top-ranked basketball team, which enters this week’s NCAA tournament as the No. 1 overall seed.

As part of the school-imposed penalties announced last week, Tressel was also publicly reprimanded and required to make a public apology.

Before he was whisked off to the airport, Tressel was asked if his speech served as his public repentance.

“I’ve tried to apologize all along,” he said.

More of my Opinions

The Chairman of the NCAA Selection Committee, Gene Smith, of the Ohio State University, is the same man who decided that a WHITEWASH of coach jim tressel and his lying and deceit was necessary. The punishment, loss of a months salary, and not being able to coach two games, which will then, in fact, be coached by the cheer leading squad, or one of the water boys.

Does HE make good decisions, or what?

Is it any wonder that the Sports World is upset by his decisions?

In my opinion, if the Ohio State University wants to maintain some credibility in the academic and higher education world, they should start at the top, get rid of their bow-tied Howdy Doody president Gee, their highly over payed, never quoted, frequently misunderstood Athletic Director, and their football coach, whose character is no longer misunderstood, we now know him for what he is, and has been all of his coaching career, the Baptist appearing author of books on integrity and honesty, and actually was signing autographs on his latest book when he was informed that he had been caught lying and cheating, perhaps they should let them all go. Tressel, Smith and Gee, what a Trinity that is, sounds like a New Jersey law firm.

Sullinger leads No. 1 Ohio State in Big Ten final

Looks like OSU will go all the way to a National Championship, Number ONE Seed.

By CLIFF BRUNT

Jared Sullinger’s shot was off throughout the Big Ten tournament—and he still dominated.

The freshman forward had 15 points and 11 rebounds, and No. 1 Ohio State defeated Penn State 71-60 in the Big Ten tournament final on Sunday.

Sullinger made just 12 of 36 field goals in the tournament, but he still was named most outstanding player. He averaged 16.3 points and 14 rebounds to help the top-seeded Buckeyes (32-2) repeat as champions.

Sullinger made up for his poor shooting by setting a tournament record with 38 free throw attempts in three games.

“It’s just Jared,” Ohio State guard David Lighty said. “He can affect the game without scoring. Especially shooting 15 free throws a game. He’s knocking those down and getting every rebound that’s around him. You really can’t stop that.”

Ohio State guard Jon Diebler said Sullinger’s approach makes him special.

“He’s just a great teammate to have, very unselfish. You know, I can honestly say we probably wouldn’t be here without him and how he’s performed this year,” Diebler said.

Proud to be a Buckeye - when Woody was here

A comment ot two on the OSU football situation, and then no more. I think Dr. Gee said it best, "He may fire me," meaning that coach Tressel might fire him. After all, Tressel gets paid more than the school President. Tressel was fined a months salary, which must really hurt, with his book money and all, books on ethics, integrity, clean living, etc., shows a real sense of humor when you can write about something and live your life another way.
    I think every program that Tressel has been involved in has experienced some ethical and questionable practices, but he will endure the humiliation of giving a public apology and the other sanctions, as long as it does not affect his 3.5 million a year.
     What a fine example to set for all those athletes at OSU. Coach can lie and get away with it, coach can be humiliated and not be bothered, coach seems like a spineless wimp, I sure want to play for him.
    The NCAA could do more, but they won't, the school could do more, but they won't. Here is a man who wrote these books, The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life, What It Means to Be a Buckeye  and Life Promises for Success: Promises from God on Achieving Your Best , lied about something, is guilty of breach of contract to the University (a specific clause was written into his contract which stated he would notify the university IMMEDIATELY in such a situation), and it costs him a months salary and not be able to coach in two games that could be coached by the cheer leading squad with the same success.
    Good lessons for children. I used to be proud to be a Buckeye, the state emblem is a Buckeye, which is a worthless NUT, now we have three of them, that I know of, there may be more.

The Dominos at OSU may start to Fall - SOON

I can see this "domino effect" hovering over Columbus, Ohio and THE Ohio State University. It could have an effect on Smith, Griffin and Tressel, and perhaps even more, almost sure that some assistant coaches will become involved, if nothing other than "scapegoats." Captain Tressel may be the last one to leave the ship, or may even Smith. I think Archie was involved in some cover-up also.

Maybe not, just allegations so far, but the source of the allegations have rarely, if ever, been wrong, so there may be some truth to them.

I for one would not be surprised. I lost faith in their program when they got rid of Bruce and they way the did it.

I think the dominos will start falling soon. I think that Terrell will announce his intentions soon, regardless of his "declaration" and he may not be alone.

Uh-oh: Jim Tressel could be in major NCAA hot water

If you are an Ohio State fan and thought, with the exception of serving the five-game suspensions, the imbroglio involving multiple Buckeyes receiving impermissible benefits was over, you may be very, very wrong.

And the school’s head coach may have bought himself a world of NCAA hurt. Allegedly.

According to a report by Dan Wetzel and Charlie Robinson of Yahoo! Sports, “coach Jim Tressel was informed that several Buckeyes players were selling memorabilia more than eight months before the school claims it was made aware of the scheme.” That startling accusation stems from a two-month investigation by the website.

Sources told the website that Tressel was informed in April of 2010 that some of his players were selling/bartering Buckeyes memorabilia and mementos to the owner of Columbus tattoo parlor. At a December press conference announcing the suspensions for “The Buckeye Five” — quarterback Terrelle Pryor, offensive lineman Mike Adams, running back Boom Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas – athletic director Gene Smith stated that the school did not become aware of the violations until Dec. 7, a full eight months after Tressel allegedly learned of potential violations committed by members of the football program.

If in fact Tressel knew of what his players were doing and did not inform the athletic department, the football program in general and Tressel specifically could be in for significant repercussions from the NCAA and the school itself — up to and including Tressel being dismissed for cause by the university.

If Tressel failed to inform Smith or the Ohio State compliance department about the players’ dealings with Rife, he could be charged with multiple NCAA violations including unethical conduct, failure to monitor and a failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance. In general, a coach is required to act on, or pass along reasonable information about possible rule violations for further investigation.

Section 4.1(d) of Tressel’s contract with Ohio State stipulates that he “supervise and take appropriate steps to ensure … members of the Team know, recognize and comply with any such laws, University Rules and Governing Athletic Rules and immediately report to the (Athletic) Director and to the (Athletic) Department’s Office of Compliance Services in writing if any person or entity, including without limitation, representatives of Ohio State’s athletic interests, has violated or is likely to violate any such laws, University Rules and Governing Athletic Rules.”

Section 5.1 (m) of his contract also states that failure to promptly report “any violations” could lead to “termination by Ohio State for cause.”

Ohio State itself could be cited with playing ineligible players and forced to vacate its 2010 season, when it won a share of the Big Ten championship and finished 12-1. It could also face further sanctions for major infractions.

Obviously, if it can be proved that Tressel had prior knowledge of the violations and did not report it — or that it was reported to the athletic department but they did not act on it — the ramifications could be monumental for both the coach and the program.

Given what’s known publicly about Tressel and the kind of man he is, it’s hard to believe he would have this type of information on his players and just squat on it. However, Wetzel & Company have a tremendous track record of nailing stories such as this, so it’s highly doubtful they would run with something as major as this has the potential to become without having every “i” dotted and “t” crossed.

And that should be very, very sobering news for both the head coach and fans of the football program.

Wednesday Morning

Kinda Blah today, dreary and cold outside, dirty snow on the ground, two good things so far, the coffee is really good, and hot, and today is the birthday of one Melissa Shannon Dooley-Dunlap, my daughter. Make it a point to send a Happy Birthday EMail to her- thepurplenova@yahoo.com that would really brighten her day. She is a really good kid, trying to get her business started, between the weather and the economic climate it is tough going, so an email from you, or anyone would be great. Send this to your mailing list and have your friends send one to. A lot of emails, from strangers, would be a neat present, thank You.

I did not watch the Super Bowl Speech last night, watched basketball and bits of the few channels that were not carrying the speech. Between the Arizona Pep Rally and the Couples Night Out speech last night, well, one can only take so much.

People were cold and hungry in this country last night, perhaps some froze to death, some people had to decide between medicine, they need, and food, and yet we are sending food and aid to any country that has had a disaster of some kind. Ships are still lined up getting relief to Haiti and other countries, while the homeless population in this country climbs at an alarming rate. The main concern in Washington last night, who was sitting with who, and they sat there listening to a well orchestrated speech, being given by a man  that we don't even know, for sure,  is qualified to even be holding the office.

Jobs are leaving the country at an alarming rate, immigrants are crossing our borders, at an alarming rate, and adding  a potentially devastating burden on our welfare and health care systems, and whatever rhetoric was "spread" last night, in no way addressed the problem.

Oh, the OSU basketball game I watched last night, was a runaway, much like our economy. The PA announcer thanked everyone for coming, with five minutes left, the crowd was leaving, unlike "date night" in Washington last night.

An Opinion

James, I look forward to hearing your response.

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.