by FUDU » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:37 pm
Here'e my thing, in asking about clarification up thread. (and I apology to any misquotes b/c I have not read this whole thing with great care).
Context is very important in this case, mostly in how JT gets judged and perceived. I think peeker made comments regarding that we seem to have been duped for the past 10 years or that things may have smelled fishy but we were blind to it b/c of the success JT brought to OSU. I disagree on that outlook of JT. Past track record does come into play here (and one could argue it should for the NCAA handing out the punishment, I wouldn't make that argument though). He's never been hit prior to this as reported there has also been a lot of self whistle blowing, but IMO most important is this all was initiated by the actions of the players. While JT is the head/face of OSU football (OSU in general one could say) and while he should have to answer for this to some degree, he cannot be responsible for the actions of all others around him nor should he be for the most part. Plus as JB mentioned it is impossible to be all knowing of the compliance book and be 100% competent to it, only the IRS tax code is more ridiculous. 1000 football players in 10 years is a lot to be on top of, not an excuse but a simple fact of reality. I could see him being over whelmed just enough to make a real bad judgment call with no illegitimate intentions. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it but the Vest actually gambled, sadly ironic.
His violation was not one of intent with regard to gaining a competitive advantage though, like a recruiting violation would be. I know his speech had plenty of ass covering in it but JT was already past the point of needing a conference title, a big win, or a bowl game victory to cement any legacy of success. IOW no way no how this was about ensuring any victories this season, JT's rep could easily withstand the backlash of 0-10 v. SEC., or continued disappointment in the BCS. I think this a distinguishable difference comparing violations that some other HMFIC/programs might have been in the know of.
As for his rep, it will will take a hit for sure, but I disagree it will be real significant. IMO we are the only ones that held him as the gold standard of ethics and any kind of honor code. While I do think the rest of college football nation respects the guy greatly I do not buy that they had him at the top rung of the ladder in terms of honor and integrity. Plus let's be honest, the perception of potential recruits (& parents) and the NCAA's are the only perceptions that make a dent in the real world of this whole thing.
Technically as Lee stated he could be fired, but contracts rarely get fulfilled line by line, so...he won't nor should be IMO. Besides who the hell would take that on that duty.
None of this is to imply JT should get off or be given a lenient slap on the wristeven (big money says Lead & Peeks would be the ones jumping to that conclusion), bottom line is he knowingly violated NCAA rules so he deserves and needs to be held accountable. However like any violation or crime in life it is not unreasonable or unfair to look at the context of this whole thing when handing out the sentence or when judging him from afar.
My bet is they are going to hammer OSU for the sake of making an example, and IMO that is a poor reason to hammer someone (especially considering how intellectually dishonest the NCAA body often is), hammer someone on the merit of the situation first an foremost. IMO games will be forfeited, which is fine, b/c the games were already played and those who watched knows who won which games.
Criminals in this town used to believe in things...honor, respect.
"I heard your dog is sick, so bought you this shovel"
2011 TCF Stratomatic Champ
