Filed under: Arkansas, Ohio State, Bowl Games
One simple question has resonated following the suspension of five Ohio State players for the first five games of next season: how can they be allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4?
The answer is pretty simple, and it's wrapped up in the money that bowl games provide to conferences and institutions of higher academic pursuit. The NCAA would like the world to believe it's not, and in a posting on its website Wednesday said money was no factor in the decision and attributed bowl game rules to the "Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet," which made its decision in 2004.
Leave it to the NCAA to be the organization that makes Congress seem streamlined and efficient.
Alas, we digress.
The NCAA's ruling does not preclude an institution itself from taking action. And Ohio State should. It simply does not seem right that Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas should have their discipline delayed nine months.
Jim Tressel can do what is right and show that he and his school stand for more than wins and cash. He should suspend the players for the bowl game himself.
Head coaching is about leadership. This is Tressel's chance to show it. Ohio State needs to stand for something more than football, more than Ws and Ls ... like integrity.
Chris Bosh Pat Riley Kevin Durant Amare Stoudemire King James
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