What fun times these are in Columbus. Players that break rules being led by coaches that choose to lie and coverup. It came out this week that Jim Tressel failed to notify THEE Ohio State University of violations for over nine months. As a leader of the program, and essentially the entire athletic department with his stature, that is unacceptable. This guy is making a fortune off of, besides being a good coach, an image of a clean, disciplined program. But what is going on in C-Bus is no better than any SEC school. In fact, it could be worse. Since 2000, THEE Ohio State University has reported more than 375 violations to the NCAA. That is roughly 37 a year!!! I don't care how minor these are, this is a culture of misconduct. And who could expect any more than that from players who have a coach that doesn't care about the rules. The reason for not reporting the most recent transgressions? Among a litany of excuses meant to distract from getting to the true point, Tressel said, "...I was doing the right thing for the safety of the young people and the overall situation." Really? What a saint, protecting HIS cheating players from NCAA investigators. I have a different theory. Perhaps it was to ensure those players would be playing in yet another disappointing season for the Buckeyes. I have to believe that there is some pressure on him to finally win some big games, other than Michigan. Since he sold his soul to the Devil to get Maurice Clarett and that national title, THEE Ohio State University hasn't always lived up to expectations. To make the entire situation look worse, the University suspended Tressel for two games...two non conference games against MAC schools. This after suspending the players for five games. What a joke. Those players were told that if they didn't commit to returning this year they couldn't play in last years Sugar Bowl, and now their leader and example setter gets less punishment for a bigger crime. I am no lawyer, but seems to me something smells quite foul, and it isn't the Olentangy River for a change. And before anyone from Buckeye nation goes off the deep end on me, let us not forget Tressel has a history of this. Youngstown State served penalties after the "Senator" failed to properly investigate an incident there involving a star quarterback. I guess if you continue to dress and present yourself as a "Senator", your behavior becomes just as tainted.
Another 1-1 week keeps us one game under the .500 mark. Plenty of action this weekend though with the conference tournaments wrapping up. First up today is a game in the BIG 10 tournament. Illinois and Michigan are playing and the Wolverines are getting 3 points. They are playing much better basketball down the stretch and I expect them to win outright, so I will happily take the 3. A second pick on Friday is from the Mountain West Conference. New Mexico has beaten BYU twice this season and matches up very well with the Cougars. It is tough to beat a team three times in a season, but I will take the Lobos and the four points they are getting. Expect a tough, close game there and feel confident in cashing that ticket. Good luck, and remember, never bet what you can't afford to lose.
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