Jim Tressel Resigns: Ohio State Players Use Social Media to Support Coach

The national media got its wish. Jim Tressel has resigned. Coach Tressel was safe up until last week, but possible new reports of impropriety at Ohio State forced Jim Tressel to resign as head coach. Buckeye Nation is stunned.

Before the new wave of stories comes out about how Tressel was a fake, liar and charlatan, read the comments from people who knew him best—his players. Former, current and future players have posted their support for the coach on Facebook.

Running back Jaamal Berry wrote, “Love you Coach Tress this season is for you....Can’t wait to rock.”

Former defensive lineman Nader lil Hulio Abdallah wrote, “WHAT A SAD DAY IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL... I CANT STAND ALL THESE HATERS OUT HERE!! WE JUST LOST THE BEST COACH IN FOOTBALL PERIOD... WE WILL MISS YOU COACH TRESSEL. . . . GO BUCKEYES!! OH!!! IO!!!!”

Former defensive back Rob Harley: “Good ppl make mistakes every day, but if there's growth it can be healthy...College football lost a great leader, mentor, & teacher today.”

Future quarterback recruit Cordale Jones wrote, “This Is A Time That OSU Needs Us Most, Lets Go #BuckeyeNation We Can't Be Broken.”

Wide receiver James Jackson: “Coach Tressel was a great coach for Ohio State.”

Defensive back Jamie Wood: “This season is gonna be for Coach Tress... Great coach.. Even better person. We're gonna hold it down, No doubt about it!”

Defensive back Travis Howard: “We love you coach tress.”

Defensive back Nate Oliver: “And I'm STILL STANDING behind Coach Tressel. He helped mold me into the man I am today. I love you Coach, this season is for you! #Unbreakable #UntilWeCollapse #BuckeyeNation.”

Defensive lineman David Durham: “Coach Tress will be missed.... I have learned so much from him about how to carry myself on and off the field. It has been a blessing to have him as a coach.”

And despite all the gloating going on in Michigan, defensive back Jeremy Cash wrote, “Only good thing that came out of today is when I look back on it, Michigan still sucks.”

It is a sad day for Ohio State. Just months ago, Ohio State was celebrating a Sugar Bowl championship; now, the coach that seemed impeccable and honest has resigned.

Before people lambaste Tressel as a liar and a cheat, look above at the overwhelming support he has received from those who are closest to him. Jim Tressel’s main crime was that he cared too much, and this care led him to lie to the NCAA. He made a mistake—a big one—and it led to his termination as head football coach at Ohio State.

His time was too short, but the memories he has given Ohio State fans will live on long past the recent scandal of the last six months, and his legacy will carry on through his players. We have already seen a small sample of the great impact he has made on the lives of our young people. This is what should define Jim Tressel’s legacy.