Tattgate, Suspension, Edward Rife, NCAA – these may be the words that are looping around Ohio State University’s (OSU) head coach Jim Tressel these days. Ever since Yahoo Sports uncovered the details of the deals and discounts between Tressel’s players and Edward Rife – owner of Fine Line Ink Tattoos, and later bought to light that Tressel knew of the dealings,
the whole matter has spiraled into a firestorm for the head coach and has put into question his career with the OSU. But then again, this is Coach Tressel’s third scandal in his decade old role with the OSU and the wolves are howling more loudly this time; also, unlike the prior two scandals, this one has garnered a lot of press momentum and has also led to Tressel’s suspension.
It all began last December when federal agencies were investigating Edward Rife for charges of drug trafficking and it came to light that five of the Buckeyes players had numerous transactions with Rife that violated the NCAA rules. The players allegedly exchanged team memorabilia for discounted tattoos and other perks; the press was swift to name the whole affair as the ‘Tattgate’ scandal. This was only the beginning of troubles for Tressel as soon the focus shifted from the players to their coach. The charge leveled against him by the NCAA was that he knew of the scheme eight months before the school authorities were alerted of the same.
The players in question, offensive lineman Mike Adams, defensive end Solomon Thomas, wideout DeVier Posey, running back Dan Herron, and quarterback Terrelle Pryor, were banned by the NCAA for the first five games of the season and were fined, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. However, in a controversial decision, the same NCAA said that the five players were eligible to play in the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas. With the five game suspension, the case against the players was officially closed. But, it was just the beginning for Tressel’s troubles.
Tressel had been alerted of the memorabilia transactions back in April last year and he had vouched to take actions against the concerned players. However, in the following months the five were still seen on the field. Tressel also repeatedly lied to the OSU commission that he knew nothing of the transactions; that was until Yahoo Sports reported that he knew of them since April.
Tressel was suspended on March 8, 2011 for the first two games of the 2011 season and was fined $250,000 for his infractions but he requested that his suspension be equal to that of his player. His request was accepted by the Ohio State Athletic Director, Gene Smith and hence Tressel would be missing the first five games of the 2011 season. Consecutively, the NCAA found Tressel guilty of withholding information and lying and the Ohio State commission sent a Notice of Allegations to him which said that the coach’s infractions were ‘potential major violations’.
In the past weeks, there hasn’t been much development on the issue and not much is known of what is happening behind the scenes. Some say that Coach Tressel’s action may put an end to his career and some opine that given his track record, he might be difficult to let go by the OSU. So, will Tressle get away with a slight rap on the knuckles? The controversial decision of letting the tainted five play the Sugar Bowl may act as a pointer.
