Suspensions End Suspense

By now you know that Donald Washington and Jamario O’Neal have been suspended for the first two games of the season – home contests against Youngstown State and Ohio, respectively. Rumors had floated and swirled around the two defensive backs all summer and Washington confirmed the reports yesterday during Ohio State's picture day.

Beyond the pure details of these suspensions, what does this mean for the Washington, O’Neal, and the team? Let’s take a look at the possible repercussions.

For Ohio State: You can make a compelling argument that this has no effect on the team considering the Buckeyes first two opponents. Hell, Poe, myself, and Tampa Buckeye could man the defensive backfield as long as Jenkins is back there. The Penguins and Bobcats are not going to stretch the field and the suspended DBs will most likely see tougher competition in practice. But there is something disconcerting about having a starting cornerback see his first live action on the road against one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.

For Donald Washington: First, from a playing time perspective: Washington is great, but Chekwa is not far behind and giving the sophomore a chance to make a greater impression on the coaches is not what Washington wanted to accomplish this off-season. I think Washington reclaims his starting spot for September 13, but when they go to the Nickel I will view he and Chekwa equally.

Now, from a personal perspective: Washington appears to be in “eligibility sudden-death.” Eugene Clifford received one suspension and received the boot after his next infraction. I think we can assume the same standard applies for Washington now.

For Jamario O’Neal: This episode effectively ends his career. O’Neal, who is from the Brandon Mitchell school of “hit first, cover never,” may play some special teams and get late-game mop up duty against the also-rans, but I think his days of meaningful playing time are gone. He had already been passed by Coleman, Russell, Patterson, and possibly Aaron Gant. It is a shame that O’Neal never realized his reputed potential, but not every Glenville recruit can be a super star.

In other news, James Scott is not currently with the team for undisclosed reasons. Donald Washington is counseling him. Seriously. Seriously?!?

Doug Worthington is practicing with the team but there is still no word about his fate after his late-night, drunken pilgrimage to Ohio Stadium.