The NCAA Slaps Ohio State

The NCAA placed a big ‘ole lump of coal in Ohio State’s Christmas stocking Tuesday.

The Buckeyes were placed on probation through the 2014-2015 academic year. Ohio State will lose three football scholarships per year and also will not play in a 2012 bowl game.

Depending upon who you listen to either Ohio State was punished too severely or the Buckeyes were fortune the infractions weren’t worse.

The laughable version was Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith. He said that Ohio State was disappointed with severity of the NCAA decision but was not going to appeal it. Frankly, Smith should be thankful he still has his job. Another thankful person regarding job security should be President Gordon Gee. I’m quite surprised these guys continue in their jobs.

Ohio State did the crime and it should do the time. Many were wondering if the NCAA would come down hard on one of its treasured athletic programs and I think the NCAA made a statement. How strong a statement will probably be determined in the future.

Will the sanctions hurt Ohio State? Losing one bowl game should have minimal consequences. Losing three scholarships per season should hurt a bit, but it basically means Ohio State will not be able to stockpile players as much as it did in the past.

I’m glad the NCAA came down on Ohio State. Cheating should not be tolerated. Hopefully the NCAA will continue to punish wrongdoers. It’s the right way to clean up college athletics.