The NCAA released its findings and acknowledged only one infraction involving the football team - the money Troy Smith received from a booster to help pay off a phone bill. This was of course, old news.
The NCAA also ruled that despite the numerous findings and infractions in some of the other sports, they found no signs of a lack of institutional control within the athletic department. Although most Buckeye fans seem mostly to be relieved, the remaining infractions are disappointing none-the less.
Right after we find this out, Ohio State has its backup place kicker Jonathan Skeete suspended from the team for intent to sell. Now the Buckeye football team has to deal with once again more issues, as redshirt freshman running back Erik Haw was arrested Wednesday evening for possession of marijuana.
It is important to understand that while all teams have their problems, some have more than others and some are bigger than others. During Cooper’s tenure at Ohio State there were multiple issues with players, but it seems as though there have been more issues for Tressel’s teams in a shorter period of time. Cooper wasn’t known as a disciplinarian, but the Buckeye football coaching staff had some assistants serving under Cooper who were, like former defensive coordinator Fred Pagac.
From the outside looking in, it is too hard to say if the Buckeye coaching staff has any disciplinarians or not, but it does not appear that they do. Regardless, from this writer’s perspective it does not appear that some of the players fear or respect the coaches and maybe something needs to be done so that they do.
One of things that will be missed about former defensive coordinator Mark Snyder is that even though he was considered somewhat of a players coach, he wasn’t afraid to get into player’s faces and scream at them a little bit when they made mistakes.
As of now, what kind of disciplinary structure do these players have that isn’t helping? From the outside looking in it appears that Tressel frowns upon actions and will discipline players if they make mistakes, but it doesn’t appear that he commands respect or fear from his players like so many other college and pro football coaches do. Tressel has indicated that he and his coaching staff make it very clear to all the players about the rules and his personal expectations of each player.
In the past Tressel has brought in some guest speakers to help spark player’s interest. A short time ago former Buckeye legend and great Keith Byars spoke to the running backs about being tougher competitors, and what it takes to be a running back at Ohio State. Maybe Tressel should conjure up the spirit of one Wayne Woodrow Hayes and strike the fear of God into some of the more independent players on the team.
All the players need to realize and respect the fact they are representing their families, their coaches, their team and their University on both a local and national level. If some of these kids cannot handle this pressure then perhaps, maybe it would be best if they are removed from the team until they learn the implications of their actions and the responsibilities they must assume in order to be a Buckeye football player.
Andy Steger
