Ohio State Escapes: NCAA Lets the Buckeyes Off the Hook

Ever since the announcement has come down that Ohio State would have five players suspended, many Buckeye fans have been scratching their head over the NCAA in light of the Cam Newton situation.

I get that.

I really do.

I also get that Ohio State seems to have made out like bandits in this case since A) these players will be able to participate in the Sugar Bowl, and B) since the infractions occurred in 2009 that they don't have to vacate any victories.

First off, this five-game suspension probably isn't going to happen. Do you really think any of these kids are going to return to Columbus and miss a third of their season? I seriously doubt it. Terrelle Pryor is probably out catching passes as we speak.

I find it absolutely ridiculous that these players are allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl. How silly is it of the NCAA to come down with a punishment that really allows the guilty parties an escape clause? The suspension, like any other suspension in cases like this should be immediate.

Did Georgia get to pick and choose which games A.J. Green was suspended for after selling his Independence Bowl jersey? Nope. In fact, I think A.J. should be congratulated for finding someone who would want to purchases any paraphernalia from the Independence Bowl.

What about Dez Bryant and the fact that he was forced to sit out an entire season for lying about training with Deion Sanders despite the fact that when it all came out in the wash what Bryant did was NOT a violation?

The thing that really bothers me is that since these infractions happened during the 2009 season why aren't we talking about Ohio State being stripped of victories and even their Big Ten title?

When five Alabama players decided to sell their text books in violation of NCAA rules Alabama had to forfeit 21 games that the guilty players participated in. Why isn't that happening here? Florida State and USC both had to vacate victories for violations when it was discovered that the guilty players had contributed to those wins.

While I do think it is absurd that players can't sell what is actually their property it doesn't change the fact that it is still against the rules.

The NCAA once again, along with the Cam Newton situation, has proved just how silly and inconsistent their rules and punishments are with this Ohio State debacle.

Personally if I was an Ohio State fan I would be most angry with the fact that the players were selling mementos that one would think were sacred and proud achievements met through hard work and sacrifice.

The NCAA seriously needs to step back and take a long look at their rules and punishments. This has been a season full of idiotic decisions, loopholes, denials and just utter ridiculousness, but with such gray areas it is difficult to figure out where one should start.