Urban Meyer Ohio State: Why Bucks' Off-Field Issues Won't Stop with Meyer

It wasn’t Jim Tressel’s fault and it’s not going to be Urban Meyer’s fault.

Meyer may not have officially been named the next Buckeyes coach yet, but all signs point in that direction. He is the perfect man for the job because of his Ohio roots and spectacular recruiting abilities (oh yeah, he’s a pretty good coach too), but there is an issue that lingers in Columbus that can’t be controlled.

There is a culture that has been created around the city that even the best college football coaches can’t defeat.

It’s a culture of yes-men, boosters and unconditional Buckeye love. With only an NHL and MLS team around, people live and breathe Ohio State football.

The way fans idolize 18- to 22-year-olds is somewhat puzzling. Edward Rife, the owner of the tattoo parlor that busted the Bucks, was essentially ousted by the community. He had to sell his house and move his two daughters to different schools because of taunts and bullying from other students. Worst of all, his wife left him.

All of this because he messed with the Scarlet and Grey when in actuality, he was trying to just be a part of it all. He was desperately seeking the approval of stars like Terrelle Pryor, and would do whatever it took to get his autograph on a jersey.

He loved the Buckeyes…almost too much.

Fan support is what drives college football, but in places like Columbus, Tuscaloosa and State College, that unconditional love can lead to serious errors in judgment.

Which brings us back to Meyer. He has never been accused of running a dirty program, but he’s never dealt with a fanbase like this. He can’t go to every tattoo parlor, auto dealership and clothing store in the area to tell the employees to stay away from his players.

He can harp about the rules and regulations regarding the NCAA until he’s blue in the face, but until that player is put in a situation that will benefit him without doing anything other than saying thank you…it’s a roll of the dice.

Sure you can make the case it’s like that at most big-time schools, but not all of them are the same. The capital city of Ohio loves their Buckeyes…almost too much.

Meyer will find out as much sooner or later.