My column in Sunday's Oakland Press: http://bit.ly/jgUy60

My column in Thursday's Oakland Press: http://bit.ly/lILXXD

If Jim Tressel had reported the transgressions he knew about at Ohio State rather than make an attempt to cover them up, there is a high probability he'd still be coaching the Buckeyes.
If he had only practiced what he had been preaching, especially in the book he wrote, "The Winner's Manual: For The Game of Life."
As much fun poked at Tressel because of his sweater vests, I never viewed him as this outlaw coach or villain. Other than calling out Michigan when he initially got the job at Ohio State, which was good for the rivalry, he wasn't particularly outspoken. He was generally humble in media and public settings.
He wasn't Barry Switzer or Jerry Tarkanian in that you suspected immediately he was running a bandit program, although there has been smoke coming about the athletic program in Columbus for years.
It turned out Tressel preached one way, practiced another, and that there were Ohio State faithful, and those among the Big Ten family, who believed he was genuine.
Take the rivalry against Michigan, and much lesser to Michigan State, and put it aside. Tressel appeared good for the Big Ten. He brought the conference honor. It's sad in that sense he eventually brought the Big Ten ultimate dishonor.

People can say whatever they want about Jim Tressel, and how shaky his regime was at Ohio State in terms of ethics. But he will always be a hero in that state. He was 15-1 against Michigan and Michigan State, including 9-1 against Michigan. He won a BCS national championship - the only one captured by a Big Ten school to date. He's the only coach to lead a Big Ten school to the BCS title game.
In this state, it's sad - because Michigan and Michigan State will never get the opportunity to beat Tressel; the disgrace of his departure will provide limited solace.
In Ohio, they don't care about the shady part. They only care that he won. In their minds, it won't be tainted - even if the NCAA changes the records. And there will be plenty of great coaches lined up for that job. They will inherit a full cupboard that will be more than enough to overcome the inevitable sanctions. It doesn't mean the ship will turn around and head in a different direction.
It does, however, open the door this season. That Michigan State game in Columbus will be particularly telling. All those Buckeyes will still be suspended. Can the Spartans, who appear formidable, take advantage?