Ohio State coach Jim Tressel spoke to the media Wednesday, apologizing again for violating NCAA rules. The university introduced linebackers coach Luke Fickell as the interim coach who will lead the Buckeyes will Tressel serves a suspension for the first five games of the season.
The Buckeyes will play Akron Sept. 3, Toledo Sept. 10, at Miami Sept. 17, Colorado Sept. 24 Michigan State Oct. 1 without Tressel and key players, including starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
Tressel learned some of his players were involved in selling memorabilia and receiving improper benefits, but he did not report it to his superiors or the NCAA for more than nine months.
“The largest regrets I’ve had in my life have been when I’ve disappointed people, when I’ve let people down,” Tressel said while facing the media for the first time since March 8, when the violations were revealed. “The mistakes I’ve made are very disappointing. I’m sorry for that, as I’ve mentioned many times.”
Ohio State officials said Tressel could not comment on the ongoing NCAA investigation. It is unclear whether the NCAA will add to sanctions Ohio State have imposed on Tressel and the football program.
The restrictions prompted by the ongoing investigation made for another awkward press conference. It meant Tressel could not address lingering questions about why he failed to forward the information to the Ohio State compliance office, a group he works with daily.
UCF coach George O’Leary, who previously worked with Tressel, told CBSSports.com the Ohio State coach deserves a second chance now that he has publicly apologized for the NCAA infractions.
“I think Jimmy has a great track record,” O’Leary told CBSSports.com. “The coaches that are constantly in trouble, and I don’t want to bring up names, I don’t have any empathy for those guys. I’ve worked with Jim at Syracuse. I always thought he was a guy who knew the rules and obeyed the rules.
“Coaches make mistakes, I for one can attest to that. He came out and owned up to it and did what he had to get done there.”
Do you agree with O’Leary? Was Tressel’s latest apology enough? Do you expect the NCAA to impose more sanctions? And do you expect Tressel to hang onto his job? Share your thoughts in the comments section of the blog.