Originally posted on 07/15/2011:
Here's the problem for Ohio State-----
They WANT this to be "just a couple of kids who broke the rules and a coach who just tried to protect them".
And they want everyone to compare their case to that of USC------
The NCAA has never--never used a comparison of either cases in determining punishment. What they have have demonstrated though is that in cases involving a coach using ineligible players, and then LYING to NCAA investigators---the punishment has been particularly harsh.
The averages of all such programs----have been a minimum loss of 10% of scholarships for 2 years minimum, and a post season ban of 2 years. Translated----if the NCAA gives Ohio State the average penalty for cases like theirs-----the Bucks are looking at 16 scholarship losses, and 2 years of no bowl games.
What is going to kill Ohio State is Tressell didn't lie once---but three times to the NCAA, and the "investigation" Ohio State conducted prior to the Sugar Bowl was such a farce.
Add that all to the fact that Steve Emmert is going to want to send a message and it is going to be a thing of beauty when the NCAA swings their axe at Ohio State.