Ohio St. Players busted...

[cyhiphopp]

I don't know how that is even an infraction. What, now you can't even sell the stuff that you've earned in order to have a little money? I think that its sad we even put the players in a situation where they feel they need to sell these honors, which most likely they will regret or have to buy back if they can. The NCAA, the schools, and just about everyone else makes money on them but they can't even do what they want with what they've earned. Stupid NCAA committee. Wonder where the next resort/conference meeting will be held.

The reason that they can't be allowed to "sell" their autograph and gear is because it is a slippery slope.
First, you have kids just getting a little extra cash for their autograph or a free tattoo. Then you get into $500 hand shakes and kids making thousands of dollars for showing up at a "booster" event.
These kids are treated like gods as it is. If they end up not having to pay for anything in exchange for a signature, it will get even worse.

You basically get into a situation where kids on the big time teams end up making tons of money. Then every 4 and 5 star ends up wanting to go to Ohio State (even more than usual) because those schools get more bowl swag and Big 10 championship rings and have richer boosters.
It would basically kill any school that isn't elite.


There are a LOT of ramifications for letting players sell stuff they got for free or getting things for their autographs.

[Jnecker4cy]

There are some really crazy things here:

1. No matter how stupid it seems that they get punished for their own items, they broke the rules, they got caught, do the time. However for those that want to say this is unfair and stupid, wel if they did not play football for Ohio State they would not have the luxury of owning these items in the first place.

2. Suspend them for 5 games next year ( Some of which will never see any punishment as the will go pro) but do not make them sit for the bowl game because of improper education on the part of Ohio State? What, that is their job, so punish the kids next year, and do not punish the university who screwed up immediatly?

3. Improper Education my Butt!!!! I know ISU's Athletic Compliance Director very well (He is a college Fraternity Brother of Mine also just left ISU for a similar job at Boise State, we only hope to get someone as good as him as a replacement) and I can guarentee you that a school like Ohio State who most likely has twice the size of employees dedicated to compliance did their due dilligence and did educate the players correctly. It is real easy for top brass to lay the blame on a position of little significance in terms of punishment. Basically have the compliance guys fall on the sword. Pure BS.

4. The NCAA continues to baffle the normal person. There semmingly whimsicle decisions that are never the same baffle the normal mind. It will never get better so we just need to learn to laugh all they do off.

5. Has anyone pointed out the apparent lack of respect that these players have for the University. They are selling things for Tattoes. Not clothing food or rent, but Tattoes. That should show you that College football is not about your school anymore, but all about you. Plus half or all these guys will probably earn a large pro paycheck soon, can't the keep the one of a kind college gifts and wait to pay for the tattoes once they can afford them!!! Come on let's not forget to blame the ego driven college football players here.

[ianoconnor]

While it does suck that they players can't sell stuff to earn a little extra cash, it could be such a slipperly slope. You could "sell" something like a jersey for pretty much any amount you want. What if a booster bought Pryor's jersey for $10,000? Things could get out of control pretty quick, so that's why you have to just say no to selling anything.

I do think the 5 games are a bit harsh, and it is absolutely ridiculous that it doesn't start now and it imposed next season. Makes no sense, other than $$$ in the NCAA/BCS pockets.

[enisthemenace]

What a crock of ****.

[uro cy]

it doesn't kill them for next year at all.

here are the 5 games they will miss

Sat, Sep 03 Akron Columbus, Ohio TBA
Sat, Sep 10 Toledo Columbus, Ohio TBA
Sat, Sep 17 Miami (Fla.) at Miami, Fla. TBA
Sat, Sep 24 Colorado Columbus, Ohio TBA
Sat, Oct 01 Michigan State *

They probably come out 4-1, maybe 3-2, and still have agreat shot at the big 10 title game.

I wouldn't bet against 5-0 either.....its not like the cupboard is bare there.

[Mr Janny]

I wouldn't bet against 5-0 either.....its not like the cupboard is bare there.

you're right. I would bet that they're favored in all those games. maybe not Miami.

[uro cy]

If any lesson is to be learned, it is that they should have let their parents handle their cash. See: Newton, Cam.

Oh...and bye bye any shot at a Heisman for TP

[Agkistrodon]

While this does bother me, there is also a part of me that is glad they will have no excuses after Arkansas annihilates them.

[hawkadoodledoo]

Seems like a pretty harsh punishment to me.

Would you think its fair if they were just suspended for the bowl game and not any time next year?

5 games kills them next year and probably causes some of these kids to leave early.

Look at who they play in those 5 games. That's what matters. Miami(FL) is their toughest game. At worst, 4-1, more than likely 5-0.

[cyhiphopp]

Look at who they play in those 5 games. That's what matters. Miami(FL) is their toughest game. At worst, 4-1, more than likely 5-0.

You don't think Michigan State can beat them next year?

[cyhiphopp]

If any lesson is to be learned, it is that they should have let their parents handle their cash. See: Newton, Cam.

Oh...and bye bye any shot at a Heisman for TP

There you go. You've found the loophole.

Just give your parents all of the free stuff you get from your school, and a stack of autographs, and tell them you don't want to know what they do with it.

Then just let your parents lend you some money. If you are unaware of where that money came from, then you are still eligible and you get as much money as that stuff is worth.

[cycloner29]

The ESPN article does say that some of them are eligble for the NFL draft. No prior education on this. My momma needed the money. Give me a break.

You have Mean Gene Smith at the helm on this one!!

[hawkadoodledoo]

You don't think Michigan State can beat them next year?

Probably not at OSU, in the big 10 opener. 5 players for OSU, is like 1 player for the rest of us. Not saying it couldn't happen, but they won't finish worse than 4-1. I'd be willing to bet $4 on it. It's a weird punishment, why not 4 games, why not 6.

[ISUFan22]

Frankly, the NCAA can suck it. One of the more biased and inconsistent organizations - ever. And I'm not saying this from an ISU rose colored glasses perspective. It's just a damn fact.

Guys like Lucca and Jiri can look at this as a crock.

For a me, a person with a right to be most ****** is Dez Bryant. Got suspended for nearly a full season for in reality - doing nothing technically wrong. He was just dishonest with the NCAA because he didn't understand the rules.

He should have received some sort of pass for that - but he didn't. Instead he didn't get to finish his college career and I think it's fairly safe to say it impacted his draft status (not that I am personally disappointed because I'm delighted he's with Dallas).

Dear NCAA,

**** your mother!

Signed,

Me

[Tre4ISU]

I don't really have a problem with them doing the tattoo thing. It's not a big eal to me at all. I don't even think it deserves 5 games. Having said that, you have to draw the line somewhere otherwise things like this will get out of control.