centralbucksfan;612556 wrote:Here is the issue, and it was brought up by Tress and Smith. Is it fair to the rest of the team to put them in a very bad situation going into this bowl game, which happens to be a reward for a very good season? Why punish 100 others for what 5 guys did. I certainly understand this. Lets be honest, without those 4 players, OSU stands VERY little chance of staying within 2 TD's of Ark, quite possibly even getting completely embarressed.
Now, could Tressl send a message to the rest of the team by sitting these guys? Sure he could. But again, the rest of the team didn't do anything. If they aren't bright enough to learn from what is going on now, they never will learn.
Not sure how i feel about them playing or not playing. But I certainly do understand the issue of not punishing the rest of the team.
Again, I don't agree at all with what these players did, they knew better. BUT again, they sold items that were THEIRS. Its not a crime. They weren't involved with agents or boosters. Lets not make this bigger than what it is. ESPN and everyone else has already made this a huge issue. Seriously, I am not sure the Cam Newton or Greene issue got more attention over the course of the past 24hrs then this. Its ridiculous to be honest.
1) It is a big issue. It isn't a crime but it's the first thing compliance departments tell athletes. You do this - you risk not being able to play.
2) I don't buy the "well it hurts other players" argument. What if it were crimes these guys committed? No one here would seriously argue that they should be out on bail and be able to play because other players who didn't commit the crimes would be affected.
3) Gene Smith should be fired. He's effed this up as much as an AD could. You take a high profile and VERY well compensated position, you are accountable. Either he's a major league liar about their compliance department's process or he's incompetent because if he's telling the truth he can't manage the program. Either way, he messed up in his position.
Ohio St. is a laughingstock right now. Rationalizing bad behavior doesn't help anyone. Take the medicine and fix the disease.