Jim Tressel Leaves Another Black Eye on the Buckeyes

Amidst the turbulence and corruption of the NCAA, Jim Tressel was the clean-cut, professional coach who shed some light on the scandals of college football.

His trademark sweater vest and his calm demeanor were the symbols of class, elements that, as of late, have been absent in college football. On calm, crisp autumn afternoons in Columbus, Tressel brought a sense of calmness to Ohio State football. He was regarded as one of the classiest individuals in the college game.

And now it's all over.

Just five months after the initial scandal of five Ohio State football players, including star quarterback Terrell Pryor, trading in rings and jerseys for cash and other luxuries, the Buckeyes have been hit with another daunting black eye. Tressel has resigned as head coach amidst a whirlwind of controversy overshadowing one of the most historic juggernauts in Big Ten football.

Despite a 10-year career at Ohio State that included a 106-22 record, eight Bowl Championship Series appearances and one national championship, Tressel walked away from Buckeye Nation with a tainted image that had many college football fans, including myself, completely baffled.

How could someone with such distinguishable credibility and outstanding character be caught up in yet another disgraceful predicament for college football? I guess those are the consequences of a coach who tried to cover up the lies of his foolish players.

It really is a shame. Although his players committed the violations, Tressel knew about them. As a football coach, he was trying to protect his players from incoming sanctions from the NCAA. However, not even two full years after the USC scandal, Tressel took the Pete Carrol route and left his prestigious program as a coward.

A handful of Buckeye starters are forced to miss the first five games of the 2011-2012 season because of their actions, but Tressel won't be there. Terrell Pryor could have declared for the NFL draft, but Tressel threatened him with a benching in the Sugar Bowl.

The Buckeyes promoted assistant coach Luke Fickell to fill in for Tressel permanently. Terrell Pryor will miss the first half of the 2011-2012 season, and he still won't have Tressel by his side. Because instead of facing punishment, Tressel walked away from Ohio State with his head hung low, and his dignity shattered. I guess that's loyalty.

It only goes to show that there truly is no "clean program" in college football anymore. Every school is susceptible to the comical punishments of the NCAA, and despite how exemplary or professional one program may appear to be, they are no better than any of the others.