Jim Tressel is a man (also THE man). I loved him before, and I’ll love him after but I now also have a new level of respect for him. As an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, this week’s big news that Coach Tressel is 2 suspended for the first two games of the season was very unsettling. His face in the picture accompanying this post (courtesy of The Lantern) says it all. To sum it up for those of you not obsessed with Ohio State football, Coach Tressel knew about 2 student athletes who were allegedly selling football memorabilia to a tattoo parlor owner (and getting discounts on their own tattoos) but didn’t initially disclose the info to the NCAA.  This is a crappy situation. A coach’s job is, in part, to look out for the emotional well being of the athletes on the team and as Coach Tressel has said, that’s what he thought he was doing. However, he broke a rule, and is taking the repercussions in stride, like a real man. He isn’t placing blame on anyone else, or pointing fingers. He is owning up to what he did, taking responsibility for his actions, and doing what he has to do to make it right.This is what gives me a new level of respect for him. He’s not just a superb football Coach, he’s also a great role model for his colleagues, student athletes, and fans. Coach Tressel and the University leadership (E. Gordon Gee rules!) make me proud, yet again, to be a Buckeye. While we will miss Coach Tressel and the Vest for two games, we will still say “O-H-I-O”!!!

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