For those who follow college sports, we all remember “tattoogate” that led to the dismissal of Terrelle Pryor, the firing of Jim Tressel and the suspension of 4 other key players (Boom Herron, DeVier Posey, Solomon Thomas and Mike Adams) for 5 or more games.
The Buckeyes forfeited the entire 2010 season including the Sugar Bowl victory versus Arkansas. They sucked during the 2011 season so they weren’t bowl eligible anyways but they couldn’t play in any bowls during the 2012 season which they went undefeated.
These are the full penalties that the NCAA slapped the Buckeyes with:
- A 5 year show cause for Head Coach Jim Tressel
- Terrelle Pryor was suspended 5 games in the NFL
- 3 scholarships per season (3 season = 9 total)
- Probation for 3 years (Ending December 9, 2014)
Let’s look at the Oregon Ducks situation. They were caught paying 25k to a recruiting agent after a recruit committed to their school. Also former coach Chip Kelly was rumored to have contacted some recruits more than the NCAA allows.
Before the light hammer was slammed down by the NCAA, Chip bolted to the NFL a la Pete Carroll.
I just want to highlight they received no bowl ban.
- 2 scholarships were lost (1 per year= a total of 2 years)
- 3 years probation (June of 2016 is the end)
- Restrictions (Phone Calls and Official Visits)
- Chip Kelly has a 18 month show cause
Now let’s shed light on the Miami Hurricanes situation. The U was snitched on by Ponzi scheme mastermind Nevin Shapiro. Shapiro’s story was on American Greed one of my favorite shows. He volunteers information about how he paid for multiple things for a wide group of Hurricane players.
The Hurricanes self-imposed a 2 year bowl ban during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
- 12 scholarships were lost (3 per season/football = a total of 3 years) (1 per season/basketball = a total of 3 years)
- Head Coach Frank Haith is suspended for 5 games (current Missouri Head Basketball Coach)
- 3 years probation
After looking at an overview of the situation, it seems like the Buckeyes got the raw end of the deal. How did the Ducks escape with no bowl bans at all? I know Phil Knight is a Oregon alum and laces the Ducks with premium gear but the NCAA isn’t suppose to play favorites right? Miami imposed ACC Championship and Bowl bans on itself so I can’t voice as much frustration with them, I can only say those teams weren’t very good anyways so I would ban myself those years also.
I know Tressel and the gang didn’t cooperate with the NCAA like the other schools did but I feel like the other schools got more leeway. No love for the Bucks, its rough in Big Ten country.
